Board of Selectmen

Meeting Notice

 

Date                                         Time                          Location

Tuesday                                    7:00 PM                   Bourne Veterans Memorial

February 28, 2006                                                     Community Center        

                                                                                   239 Main Street                                                                                                                                  Buzzards Bay, MA  02532

 

1.           Call to Order

2.           Salute the Flag/A Moment of Silence for Our Troops

3.           Approval of Minutes

4.           Public Comment – Non Agenda Items 

5.           Correspondence

6.           Liquor on Premise – Chief Ford

7.           Shore & Harbor Committee – Mooring Moratorium

8.           DNR Reorganization Public Hearing/Discussion

9.           Water-Skiing on Little Bay; Waterways Rules & Regulations

10.       Licenses/Permits

a.     MDA

b.    Sagamore CarWash

 

11.       Pocasset River Marina – Harbor Cruise Business

 

12.       Estimated Seasonal Population – ABCC

13.       Finance Director – Determination for Exemption

14.       Town Administrator’s Report – Capital

15.       Selectmen’s Reports

16.        Adjourn

                                                                                                                                               

Selectmen Minutes

February 28, 2006

Bourne Veterans’ Memorial Community Center

239 Main Street

Buzzards Bay, MA 02532

 

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Attendance:

Town Administrator

Thomas M. Guerino

Board of Selectmen:

Carol A. Cheli, Chairman

Galon “Skip” Barlow, Vice Chairman

Richard E. LaFarge, Clerk

Linda Zuern

W. Thomas Barlow   

Call the Meeting to Order at 7:00 P.M.

 

Salute the Flag/A Moment of Silence for Our Troops

Approval of Minutes

Selectman Zuern made a MOTION and SECONDED by Selectman G. Barlow to approve the minutes of February 14, 2006 as amended. UNANIMOUS VOTE

Public Comment – Non Agenda Items

Dave Foynes spoke on behalf of the Bourne Concerned Citizens. Their mission is to keep a watchful eye on the actions of our public officials, encourage open and meaningful discussion among residents and officials and work to ensure good government in the Town of Bourne.  We have no interest what so ever in what anyone wears when they going fishing or boating.  This is a personal decision and shouldn’t be regulated by the Town of Bourne. Encourage all citizens of the Town of Bourne to participate in the governing of our town. There is no affiliation with any existing member of the current Bourne Board of Selectmen nor did any one member of the Bourne Board of Selectmen influence the formation of the Bourne Concerned Citizens in any way. The formation of the group was a direct result of the actions of you all. Encourage the public to attend a public meeting on March 2nd at the Cataumet Methodist Church.

 

Cheryl Gomes request to go on record regarding an article in the newspaper concerning the Shellfish Regulations with the incorrect copy of the Commercial Regulations being taken to the printers.  She wasn’t going to comment on it but she takes issue with the fact that she was accused in the newspaper of setting up the Director of the department. She’s worked for the town for 27 years with 25 of those years in the DNR. If she had made a mistake she would have owned up to it. She didn’t have anything to do with it. She didn’t type the regulations or had access to them. Checked with Mike Gratis this afternoon to make sure she wasn’t making this up. The printer came to the office, he was handed a signed copy of the Recreational Shellfishing Permit. She did not hand him any commercial copy at all. She did not even see them. For someone to accuse her of trying to set them up, she takes issue with this. If she wanted to she could have brought forth a case against him for a derogatory remark he made about her. She has too much integrity and pride in herself and where she works. Wants to go on record stating that she had nothing to do with it.

Joe Agrillo is still concerned about the parking at Monument Beach, which is very important. Administrator Guerino said he and Rickie Tellier have viewed the area and will be making a recommendation to the Board in several weeks. It was a good idea that someone put locks on the tennis court gate but kids still climb the fence.

Selectman Zuern responded to comments made by David Foynes. It’s good that a group of people get together who have concerns about the government. It’s good that you watch what we do and that you care about what’s going on. Suggested to several of the people in the group that they run for Selectmen. It’s sad that you want to participate but you don’t participate enough to put your hat in the ring and run for office. If you’re going to continue meeting, encourage each other to run for office and sit up here with us.

Lucia Fulco wants to correct a misconception. In 1993 Article 41 of the Annual Town Meeting adopted a recall item for the Town of Bourne and approved by a majority vote 364 – 4 as a Special Act of the Legislature. The Legislature met later that year and Chapter 252 of the Acts of Resolve of 1993 allowed the Town of Bourne to have a recall item as part of its By-laws. The Charter adopted in 1991 stated very clearly on page 6 that the recall provisions were already in place in the Town By-laws. Several weeks ago there were comments in the newspaper stating that the town never had a recall option before. We’ve had one for 13 years.

Selectman W. T. Barlow said he has been involved with 2 Charters, appointed a group to look at Government Study Committee and a Charter Commission before that. Currently there’s another Charter Review Committee and he should be more specific when talking about Charter to which one he’s referring.

Correspondence

Selectman LaFarge read the correspondence.

Letter from James Lynch regarding unused moorings, shouldn’t have to notify the DNR each year whether or not you’re interested in remaining on the waiting list and is unwilling to pay any more than the original $10.00 waiting list fee.

DNR Director Weinert said that if people notify the DNR by February 1st they could stay on the list at no fee. Those people who don’t notify the DNR by February 1st will receive a bill for $10.00 to remain on the waiting list.

Letter from Donald Cunningham requested Town Counsel’s opinion on the meaning of Article 5 of the Charter concerning procedures for preparing plans, public hearings, making motions and taking votes.

Administrator Guerino said we don’t normally forward individual citizens request to Town Counsel, but if the Board requested him to do this, he would.

Selectman W. T. Barlow said he would be opposed to that. We don’t take public request for Town Counsel’s opinion. Town Counsel is an expense to the town. There is a policy allowing our Boards and Committees to seek Town Counsel’ s opinion only after its been approved by the Town Administrator.

Selectman G. Barlow read Town Counsel’s opinion regarding the reorganization of the DNR.  Board of Selectman acted in a manner consonant with the requirements of the Charter and has therefore complied with the mandates on Section 5-3 relating to procedural requirements to discuss a proposed reorganization of a Town Agency.

Liquor on Premise – Chief Ford

Chief Ford said there was a first time complaint to the Board of Selectmen on January 21, 2006 by Don Cunningham regarding BYOB at the Lobster Trap. Mr. Cunningham had called the Police Department and asked if you could bring your own booze to the Lobster Trap?  He was referred to the Selectmen’s Office. Chief Ford checked with the dispatcher and Sergeant on Duty and told them that this was the wrong response.

 

Under Section 3.1.20 of the Town By-laws, Consumption of Alcohol, states that shall be unlawful for any person to consume alcoholic beverages, in public places, which are not licensed for such purposes or for any person other than a duly licensed distributor to carry alcoholic beverages into an establishment duly licensed under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 138.

 

Chief Ford sent a Sergeant to the Lobster Trap and found a note on the door that read “Thank you for dining with us. It is our privilege to serve you. We take great pride in providing our customers with delicious quality homemade meals and a fun and family environment. We welcome you to your BYOB, however, this is not a picnic area. There is absolutely no other food or beverage from off premise allowed.” Chief Ford spoke with the new manager, David DeLancey and said the note has been posted for 3 years. The sign has been taken down. Surprisingly, there have been no complaints to the Police Department. This law is good; it protects the town and gives us the tools to work with.  He can apply for a liquor license like everybody else. There is NO drinking in any public place. If you want a drink, you have to get a liquor license. No exceptions.

 

Shore & Harbor Committee – Mooring Moratorium

Shore & Harbor Chairman Steve Mealy said last fall the Shore & Harbor Committee approached the Selectmen to review a mooring moratorium that has been in effect for approximately 10 years. Selectmen requested forming a Working Group consisting of individuals from the Shore & Harbor Committee, Board of Health, Conservation Commission and Shellfish Working Group. They evaluated the need to continue with a mooring moratorium. Most all-natural mooring areas are in use and are at or near full capacity. The best opportunity to increase mooring ability are to improve management of existing areas and to permit mooring of smaller vessels that require less draft and swing room.

The Working Group held 5 public meetings and spent over 161 man-hours to complete this task. Found no recorded documentation establishing the current mooring moratorium. Reviewed the following areas:  1) history to verify use in all current mooring fields 2) criteria related to the presence of moorings within the town 3) Cove Master recommendations in their areas to the current number of moorings allowed 4) mythology used in granting a mooring permit 5) mooring areas that could support an increase in smaller vessels that are less than 14’ in length 6) areas with high mooring densities with the total number of vessels that would be allowed to moor in that area 7) impact of the mooring area and other water dependent uses including swimming and shellfishing 8) possible areas for new mooring areas that may be established while trying to minimize impacts on other water dependent uses.

The following recommendations are being made to the Board of Selectmen and Town Administrator:

·        Remove any type of mooring moratorium limitation for additional moorings

·        Total number of moorings permitted in 2006 be increased by a total of 116 new moorings

·        Allow the Harbor Master to determine the number of moorings permitted annually

·        Require annual review by the Harbor Master and Shore & Harbor Committee for adjustments either increase or decrease in each specific mooring area

·        Harbor Master to review all moorings and submit an annual report

·        Harbor Master to promote a greater interaction between himself and the Cove Masters to promote an effective management of all mooring areas

·        Harbor Master to develop, use and maintain a Mooring and Slip Management Plan

·        Annual review be updated as necessary with the Town Waterway Regulations in conjunction with the Shore & Harbor Committee

·        Harbor Master to provide continued support and availability of adequate pump out facility both on shore and on the water

·        Continued cooperation between the Harbormaster and Shore & Harbor Committee with reporting to both the Town Administrator and Board of Selectmen

It’s intentional to use the residence of the town and committee members to support and contribute to the management of our town’s most important resource.

The Working Group reviewed the effects of the town permitting mooring areas in the waters adjoining a mooring field and shoreline. Increase in parking density, demand for dinghy storage are several issues when a mooring field is established. Swimming, recreational fishing and shellfishing are also impacted. Changes to mooring areas include minimum setback for designated swimming areas, minimum setback from launching ramps and setbacks for moorings relative to shellfishing area. Also recommend that no boat sit on the bottom at low tide and closing of Little Bay mooring field to any new or additional moorings. The Working Group felt that this area is a very important shellfish habitat. Expansion of existing areas must include protection of the environment, protection the shellfish and shellfishing areas, protection of swimmers and other shoreline uses and create an opportunity to access all of our waterfront.

The members of the Working Group extended their appreciation to the Harbor Master, Cove Masters and members of the community that participated in the report.

Chairman Cheli said this was a wonderful presentation that took a lot of time and effort.

Selectman G. Barlow said the presentation was very good. All his questions were answered.  Very impressed and the presentation/report was excellent.

Selectman W. T. Barlow said he would like to hear from the Harbor Master to see if he concurs with the recommendations.

Selectman Zuern said she was very impressed and want to work together to make sure recommendations are implemented. Thanked the Committee and everyone’s effort for all their hard work.

Director Weinert said he is 100% behind this. The Shore & Harbor Committee are a very dynamic group to work with. The Long-Range Plan is very exciting specifically by starting to increase moorings to get people off the waiting list and pay strict attention to the environment.

Selectman Zuern asked who makes sure that these things are done? Mr. Mealy said this control should be done under of the Harbor Master. This won’t be done by a single individual but by many individuals participating. It is recommended that the Harbor Master provide an annual report to the Board of Selectmen with his recommendations on any change, if any, for the following year.

Selectman LaFarge asked why are several mooring areas decreased on the Long-Term Management plan?  Mr. Mealy said the Long-Term Management goal is to decrease the number of vessels moored in those areas. This would be accomplished by having more management.

Selectman W. T. Barlow made a MOTION and SECONDED by Selectman G. Barlow to not only accept this report but also accept the recommendations that are outlined in this report for action and have the Town Administrator set up a yearly review as suggested by this report. UNANIMOUS VOTE

DNR Reorganization Public Hearing/Discussion

Administrator Guerino said last week the public hearing was recessed without a date. Tonight is public comment and to take any action on plan because it wasn’t done during the public hearing. Need to schedule a formal agenda item to open the public hearing that was recessed and dispose of it as the Board wishes. Last meeting was not adjourned so you don’t have to advertise in the newspaper.

Selectman G. Barlow made a MOTION and SECONDED by Selectman Zuern to rescind the proposed plan to reorganize the Department of Natural Resources and to reinstate the funding for the Directors position in the Department of Natural Resources budget. UNANIMOUS VOTE

Chairman Cheli said she spoke to a lot of people from the audience and they were all very informative and learned a lot.  She based her vote strictly on the consultants report and is sorry that she did that.

Administrator Guerino said at the Boards next meeting, there would be an agenda item to close the public hearing.

Selectman Zuern said she listened to the public and all of their comments. Spoke to several people this past week and realizes that we see things from different perspectives. People had said that the Selectmen did violate the Charter because they interpreted the Charter differently. Town Counsel’s opinion said we didn’t violate the Charter. Board came up with a plan for a public hearing and was disappointed last week that most of the speakers did not talk about the pros or cons on the recommendations that were made. It was for the process or their perception. Hoping for something more positive but feels we didn’t get anywhere. There were comments made that she just went along with the Barlow’s and that was not the case. Listened to people on the Shellfish Working Group, listened to people on the street and people feels that the marinas should be separated from the shellfish. Realized that some of the DNR staff are looking for jobs elsewhere. Feels that the DNR are the people that work for us, and those are the people that we are trying to keep here. If they are all looking for jobs elsewhere, something is not right.  Her vote was to correct whatever needs to be corrected in the DNR. Board did not dismantle the DNR. They have been running the same way these last 4 weeks even though the Board took their vote.  There have been no changes, just proposed changes. Didn’t get the input from the public hearing that she was hoping for.

Selectman Zuern made a MOTION to have the Town Administrator set up the committee with members that include the Shore & Harbor, DNR and the Shellfish Working Group and others that he feels should be included and look to see how the DNR can run more efficiently. NO SECOND

Selectman W. T. Barlow said he would support such an effort but feels this should be an agenda item for next meeting. Want the people to see that the Board is putting forward, discuss it and give the general public an opportunity to participate in forming this committee.

Selectman W. T. Barlow made a MOTION and SECONDED by Selectman LaFarge to put forward at the next meeting as an agenda item. UNANIMOUS VOTE

Charlie Miller said he’s a little upset and concerned with the process. By going to an outside committee you violate the trust of the town and its wisdom in creating this committee. Feels that a committee should be formed, but should be through the Shore & Harbor.

Selectman Zuern said the reason why the MMA Group was brought in is to make people feel comfortable talking to someone. Staff people don’t always feel comfortable saying certain things because they are afraid of what might happen.

Mary Jane Masterangelo said a lot of things said tonight bother her. The section of the Charter that concerns most people is the role of the Board of Selectmen in setting policy.  The Mooring Moratorium Report was done very well compared to the report submitted by the MMA Group. At last weeks meeting there was a proposal presented on power point and people were expected to respond immediately. A proposed committee that might go forward for the DNR should put suggestions in writing and give people the opportunity to respond in public session and vote at the following meeting. The MMA Group report said the controversy regarding the DNR was the failure to set priorities. What are the goals and priorities the Selectmen trying to achieve by the reorganization? Was troubled when she spoke to some of the Selectmen that said during the course of the discussion on the DNR, individuals Selectmen discussed the proposal outside of the public meeting. This gives the appearance that the Board talks outside of this meeting.

Chairman Cheli said Administrator Guerino called the Selectmen when the report came in and invited the Board in individually. We all went in one at a time and not as a group.

Selectman W. T. Barlow said we not a wired Board that we all vote the same. We feel strongly about issues being discussed and at times have vicious debates. We go at each other publicly and at times personally. People run for this position because they care about the town and the issues. We try to work together, to comprise and move forward on common goals. We all have different ideas about what is in the best interest for the town.

T. Gray Curtis feels that the Board has a lack of trust because the communication lines are not clear. Need to explain issues to the town. Trust is a major problem that the Selectmen have right now.  Compared the Selectmen to the Declaration of Independence. There is a lot of people upset that the Selectmen lack in supplying the public with information and keeping them informed.

Jim Mulvey said the large amount of public input over the last several weeks have been on the reorganization of the DNR. There is some agreement on reformatting within the department that would  improve the operation. Would support a committee that would aid the Selectmen for more efficiency.

 Alcott Tobey said he is proud that the DNR is getting back in shape again and would be glad to serve the DNR like he always has. Throughout the years that he’s worked for the DNR, he has never found a better group of men to work with. The marina needs to be looked at before any floats are installed for the upcoming season. Glad to serve the public and also serve with the same director.

Win Mclane echoes comments made by Jim Mulvey. There could be some changes with the DNR with its present structure and would be happy to work with the Selectmen. Recommend the need for job descriptions and evaluations of personnel on an annual basis. This is good for each employee and points out areas that you can work to improve.

Would like to see the residents of the town come up with recommendations and ideas then present them to Selectmen.  As plans come together they become incorporated into the Long-Term Plan. Strongly urges the Board to go forward with the study.  Suggest the Moderator select the committee with recommendations from department heads or committee chairman. Suggest advertising the meeting prior to the Board making a final decision.

Bill Locke has been a member of the Long-Range Comprehensive Plan. At the last town meeting the town passed policy and goals for the Long-Range Plan. Encourage people to read them and pay attention to what we have already voted for.

Chairman Cheli said she hopes everybody goes home happier this week than last week and thanked everyone for their opinion and comments.

Selectman W. T. Barlow made a MOTION and SECONDED by Selectman Zuern to recess the meeting at 8:30 P.M. UNANIMOUS VOTE

Selectman W. T. Barlow made a MOTION and SECONDED by Selectman Zuern to reconvene the meeting at 8:35 P.M. UNANIMOUS VOTE

Water-Skiing on Little Bay; Waterways Rules and Regulations

Administrator Guerino said at the request of Director Weinert he had asked that this item be taken off so it can go to Shore & Harbor.

 

Licenses/Permits

MDA Stride N’ Ride Walk-A-Thon

Muscular Dystrophy Association is seeking permission to use the Buzzards Bay Gazebo for a MDA Stride N’ Ride Walk-A-Thon on Sunday, May 21, 2006 from 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.

The Buzzards Bay Village Association will be submitting an application for the same day, time and location for a road race.

Selectman W. T. Barlow made a MOTION and SECONDED by Selectman LaFarge to put this off until the following meeting and contact the Buzzards Bay Village Association and MDA to see if this can be coordinated. UNANIMOUS VOTE

Sagamore Carwash, Inc.

Sagamore Carwash, Inc. is changing ownership of their Class II Car Dealers License from Marc dePointbriand to Joseph Mead, 74 Cranberry Highway, Sagamore

Joe Meade said he took over the business 8 months ago and this is an annual license.  Selectman LaFarge said that nobody owns a license and that the license is granted. This is actually a transfer of the license.

 

Selectman W. T. Barlow made a MOTION and SECONDED by Selectman LaFarge to approve the change in owners of the Class II Dealers License for two (2) vehicles located at 74 Cranberry Highway, Sagamore UNANIMOUS VOTE

                       

Pocasset River Marina – Harbor Cruise Business 

Administrator Guerino said Director Weinert was going to present this tonight but after further discussion it would be more appropriate for the proponent to come forward.  Director Weinert said Peter Moon approached the DNR with his proposal. Tried contacting Mr. Moon to invite him to attend meeting but has been unsuccessful.

Selectman W. T. Barlow made a MOTION and SECONDED by Selectman LaFarge to put Item #11 Pocasset River Marina – Harbor Cruise Business to the next scheduled meeting of the Board of Selectmen. UNANIMOUS VOTE

Estimated Seasonal Population - ABCC 

Administrator Guerino said this is an annual request from the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission on the estimated of our summer population.

Selectman W. Thomas Barlow made a MOTION and SECONDED by Selectman LaFarge to have our estimated seasonal population at 40,000. UNANIMOUS VOTE

Finance Director – Determination for Exemption

Administrator Guerino said Finance Director recently married a town employee and is required to file with the Ethics Commission regarding a possible conflict. She has filed and requested a determination. We have received a determination and further asked for an opinion from Town Counsel. The Board of Selectmen are the appointing authority and not the Town Administrator. She faithfully states that she will uphold the duties of her position without interference. This is also on file with the Town Clerk. It wouldn’t matter what position the spouse held in town, this would still have to be filed.

 

Selectman LaFarge asked what position does he hold now? Administrator Guerino said his position now is Operations Manager at ISWM. Should we move forward with the structure as proposed, effective July 1st he would assume the position of General Manager of Operations and Administration. ISWM has a budget of $10 million and the Finance Director has a big part to play in setting budgets. She hasn’t had any real responsibility for determining payroll or salary for someone that she is married to.  We need to get this straight before we can make the determination to grant an exemption.  Wants full disclosure as appropriate.

Selectman W. T. Barlow said we are clearly aware that things are going to change. Both the Finance Director and Operations Director know this. Request she submit another letter to the Ethics Commission and feels we shouldn’t give an exemption a this time. This is the second largest budget in town after the schools. To have our Finance Director overseeing the expenditures of the Director of Operations, there is no supervision in-between. We are just asking for trouble. We need to look at other options. We are audited on a yearly basis and we’ve had situations that we had to bring in CPA’s for specific purposes and this may be the case. At this time, we are not giving an exemption.

Administrator Guerino said he signs the warrants when the Finance Director is on vacation. The way the warrants are currently set up, the Finance Director signs as a check and balance.

Selectman Zuern said she has the paperwork that exposes everything and don’t see a problem with it. If his position changes then she would have to file an exemption again. She was ready to vote for the exemption tonight. We have a budget and a Town Administrator that oversees this as well and we have two honest people working in our departments.

Selectman W. T. Barlow made a MOTION and SECONDED by Selectman LaFarge to have the Town Administrator sign the warrants, be responsible and oversee the expenditure funds of ISWM accounts because of the relationship. UNANIMOUS VOTE

Town Administrator’s Report 

Administrator Guerino presented the Capital Improvement Budget as recommended by the Capital Outlay Committee for FY07.

On the bottom of the Capital Improvements Budget for FY07 is the total amount recommended by the Town Administrator with the concurrence of the Capital Outlay Committee and where the funds will come from.

Recommendations as follows:

Police: $159,568; Fire: $235,000; DNR: $135,000; Bourne Public Schools: $576,198; DPW: $100,000; Recreation: will be funded through CPA if approved by the committee, ISWM: $1,405,000; Estuaries Project: $54,750 and Board of Health: $17,895.

Selectman Zuern asked if the Technology Plan request is ever going to end?  This is important to keep in the schools but do we need to fund this each year? There are other items that need to be funded. Administrator Guerino said this is an expensive piece to keep the technology going in all the public school along with all the software upgrades and replacements. The current expenditure is due to expire at the end of FY2010.

Mary Jane Masterangelo said the Department of Education is ranking technology in the schools and when technology gets over 5 years old you don’t get any credit for it. You have to keep the credits going or your going to loose the funding. It has to be an ongoing plan.

Selectman W. T. Barlow said there are several Proposition 2 1/2 overrides coming in the future according to the plan. Fire department headquarters for $8million in FY08; new Pocasset Fire Station for $4 million in FY09, Pebbles School renovations for $15 million in FY09, Library expansion for $7.5 million in FY07 and Monument Beach renovations for $2.5 million. People got sticker shock when they got their tax bills and the new school isn’t even on it. Overrides require a majority vote of the Board of Selectmen to put on the ballot.

Administrator Guerino said we have a list of requests without a lot of preplanning in place and no real plans on how they will be addressed. Need to put together a list of capital needs with initial cost and replacement schedules. There would be a schedule for police cruisers and some highway equipment that are replaced on a regular basis, Facilities Plan, Technology Needs Plan and Regular Ongoing Plan. We need to gather cost, reprioritize and create a fully detailed Capital Working document that the Board of Selectmen and citizens have input. We will work with the Capital Outlay Committee to achieve a Capital Outlay Expenditure Plan by bringing in local experts and external non-consulting experts to come in and talk to us.  How are we going to fund these issues? What is the mechanism that is going to give us the opportunity to put a plan together and fund this appropriately?  Opinion is that most of the new facilities will have to be a debt exclusion override. The town can’t financially afford to build within the budget. We don’t have enough funding to fund the current needs for capital expenditures. We need to figure out a mechanism to get enough money to start a good Capital Expenditure Plan. Would recommend with the Capital Outlay Committee and local people appointed by the Selectmen to look at capital and put a plan together, meet with the departments heads and report back to Selectmen.

Selectman W. T. Barlow said a plan is useless without the Board of Selectmen committing to voting for debt exclusion or override to put before the voters. By not putting the option out to the people, we are making the decision for them.

Comments from T. Gray Curtis, Joe Agrillo, Jim Mulvey

Selectman Zuern made a MOTION and SECONDED by Selectman LaFarge to accept the Capital Improvement Budget as presented.  UNANIMOUS VOTE

There will be a new budget based on tonight’s vote regarding the DNR in next week’s packet.

Budget message recommended a reduction in the Street Light Account and suggested that the Selectmen establish a committee comprising of Fire, Police, DPW, citizens and NSTAR to look at the current street lighting and to see where deductions can be made.  Public notices and hearings need to be held. Would like the Board to set up a committee and report back to the Selectmen by the end of April.

Selectman W. T. Barlow made a MOTION and SECONDED by Selectman G. Barlow to appoint a Street Light Committee consisting of Police, Fire, DPW, a citizen and a representative from NSTAR. UNANIMOUS VOTE

Handed out draft articles for the Annual Town Meeting.  In addition, there will be an article regarding the Charter, Long-Range Capital Plan and Revolving Account. There are several private petitions and from last year sidewalk article for County Road.

Town will be filing a letter of intent to MEMA for Hazard Mitigation Funding to look at the problem on December 9th with the storm regarding getting emergency equipment to the Monument Beach area. Letter of intent needs to be submitted by March 10th. Will be meeting with the Police Chief Ford, Fire Chief Klueber, DPW, Conservation Commission and others to make a determination whether its worthy to go forward with filing a Technical Assistance Funding Grant.

Handed out an update on the Boards vote of 2 weeks ago when authorized some additions to the budget. When this is done it changes our Sources and Uses.

Board received a copy of the 1st pass of the Long-Term Financial Plan, which is required.  This doesn’t include Capital at this point. Still working on the Capital portion and will provide the Board with a copy when completed.

Comment from Jim Mulvey and Mr. Curtis

Administrator Guerino suggested that he come back in 2 weeks with a way to make this work through a committee structure.

Selectman Zuern made a MOTION and SECONDED by Selectman G. Barlow to support the Town Administrator to go forward and set up a committee to look at the Capital Long-Term. SELECTMAN G. BARLOW WITHDRAWN HIS SECOND

Selectman Zuern made a MOTION and SECONDED by Selectman W. T. Barlow not to meet next week. UNANIMOUS VOTE

The current Board procedures have been reviewed by the Administrator and found that they could use some updating. Prepared a draft in concurrence with the recommendations of Town Counsel and incorporated all the current operation procedures for the Boards review with some additions and ideas that the Board may want to consider.

Selectmen’s Reports 

Selectman W. T. Barlow said Mr. Guerino was hired last February as temporary Town Administrator. There is an evaluation of his performance, which indicates the Boards approvals in what he has done, and areas that he needs improvements. In the past, the Chairman sat down with the Town Administrator and prepared an evaluation sheet and sent out the Board members for their evaluations. Chairman will compile all the evaluations.

 

Selectman W. T. Barlow made a MOTION and SECONDED by Selectman Zuern to go forward with the evaluations and have them sent out to the members. UNANIMOUS VOTE

 

Selectman LaFarge: No report

Selectman Zuern said her TV show will report on “Relay for Life” and will be aired on Wednesday night and Friday, commented on the misleading newspaper article stated Selectmen were maneuvering behind closed doors. 

Selectman G. Barlow said he saw the TV show that Selectman Zuern did on “Relay for Life” and that it was a good show.

Selectman Cheli: No report

Selectman LaFarge made a MOTION and SECONDED by Selectman W. T. Barlow to adjourn the meeting at 9:55 P.M. UNANIMOUS VOTE