Selectmen’s Minutes
November 21, 2006
Bourne Veterans’ Memorial Community Center
239 Main Street
Buzzards Bay, MA 02532
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Attendance:
Thomas M. Guerino
Board of Selectmen:
Linda M. Zuern, Chairman
Jamie J. Sloniecki, Clerk
Judith Conron
John J. Harrington
Stephen F. Mealy
Call the Meeting to
Order
Meeting was called to order at 7:00 P.M.
Moment of
Silence/Salute the Flag
Jennifer Flanders, 20, who was a college student, died at the Children’s Hospital from Cystic Fibrosis. She and her family are asked to be remembered in the Moment of Silence by Chm. Zuern.
Approval of Minutes
Minutes of November 14, 2006 will be deferred to the next meeting.
Minutes of Executive Sessions dated September 12, 2006 and November 14, 2006 respectively will also be deferred to the next meeting.
Public Comment –
Non-Agenda Items
None at this time.
Correspondence
Selectman Sloniecki reviewed the correspondence. All correspondence is on file in the Town Administrator’s Office for review.
Selectman Mealy inquired about the policy of unsigned letters.
Chm. Zuern stated that it can be acted on but not read at the meeting, and then the TA can read the letter and can take action.
ISWM Focus Group
ISWM Futures Working Group Initial Scope of Inquiry states the following areas will assist in framing the initial discussions regarding the ISWM long-term business plan so goals and objectives can be set for more detailed discussion and decision-making.
Chm. Zuern said that the main concern for the Focus Group should be the life of the landfill. She also said that technologies should be recommended at the landfill after the study.
TA Guerino said the Airspace Consumption will be reworded to fit concern.
Selectman Mealy MOVED
and SECONDED by Selectman Sloniecki
to formalize the ISWM Futures Working Group Initial Scope of Inquiry as
amended. UNANIMOUS VOTE
Mr. Gately, Upper Cape Codder, asked when the SEMASS contract expires. TA Guerino said it was January 2007.
Selectman Mealy asked if there was a reason not to renew with SEMASS.
TA Guerino said the cost to dispose of town’s own trash is $40/ton as opposed to $75-$80/ton by SEMASS.
TA Guerino also said that the town will not lose its Host Community Fee.
Selectman Mealy asked what the risks were for not renewing the contract with SEMASS. He suggested having some agreement put in place when the time comes for Bourne to call upon SEMASS.
Public Comment
Mr. Miller stated Brent Goins’ presentation did not say the amount that is going to SEMASS and that the trend was decreasing.
Selectman Conron further added that it is steady with the increase of population.
A. Citizen Appointment
TA Guerino stated Jack Ellwood is interested in the ISWM Focus Group. He brings environmental engineering background
Selectman Sloniecki MOVED and SECONDED by Selectman Mealy to accept the appointment of Jack Ellwood. UNANIMOUS VOTE
Public Hearing on Board of
Selectmen Goals
Town Administrator’s
Objectives Regarding the Goals
TA Guerino would like to bring to the Board of Selectmen changes relative to personnel and Human Resources for a fair and open evaluation system.
TA Guerino said that personnel policies can get tricky with regard to negotiated contracts and it is possible to look at other communities through the Municipal Association.
Public Comment Regarding the Goals
Chm. Zuern said that there are many goals and that it will take a couple of years to accomplish. She also stated that most require a lot of planning and study.
Mr. Miller commented on how the goals are generalized and not time specific.
TA Guerino said that the Board has set timelines and that the goals are very specific.
Mr. Mulvey suggested obtaining available grant knowledge.
TA Guerino said the town needs to look at the economic development and look when the town can afford or when the Board sets as a priority. Grants and economic balance are part of the economic development goal.
Chm. Zuern asked the Board if they request the presence of TA Guerino at the Bourne Committee meeting of November 22, 2006. There was a positive consensus.
Selectman Mealy suggested the Board put a calendar of committees together for the public to view.
Chm. Zuern liked the suggestion. She also suggested bringing back the Transportation Committee.
Selectman Conron asked if the Transportation Committee should be a future topic.
Selectman Sloniecki said that the calendar of committees is a good way to incorporate the Board’s goals.
1% of the 5% Meal Tax going back to the Local Community
Chm. Zuern read John Tobin’s letter to the committee (see Correspondence E 11.14.06 package).
TA will further review how much the Town of Bourne gives to the State. The town currently has about 10-12 restaurants.
Canalside Commons
– Discussion on Town Meeting
Chm. Zuern said the Town Meeting Vote is a non-binding resolution that passed.
Selectman Sloniecki expressed concern of the words “all acts necessary” for interpretation.
Selectman Mealy noted the impact of the Bourne rotary and how it affects the town.
Selectman Sloniecki will bring up with Joint Transportation Committee.
Selectman Mealy MOVED
and SECONDED by Selectman Conron the
State Program’s undertaking of the redevelopment of the Bourne rotary as a
number one priority for the Town of Bourne and to send a letter in writing
stating same to the 1) State Senator; 2) Two (2) State Representatives; 3)
Taunton Mass Highway; and 4) the MPO. UNANIMOUS VOTE.
TA Guerino will write letter to the above mentioned people.
Selectman Conron said that she is not an advocate of ruining a neighborhood for the Bourne rotary.
Lengthy discussion held on the legal information and support involved of the redevelopment of the Bourne rotary.
Mr. Cubellis discussed issues with the Board and said he would be happy to sit down and discuss acquiring a portion of proposed land for municipal use.
TA Guerino suggested the Town Planner come and discuss the Cubellis project to reacquaint the Board members.
Selectman Harrington MOVED and SECONDED by Selectman Conron to seek a professional consultant to assist the Board of Selectman with possible acquisition or gift of land called Canalside Property. The committee VOTE 4-1 to approve with non-approval from Chm. Zuern.
Selectman Mealy asked Mr. Cubellis if there was a way to increase the commercial property development by adding a hotel.
Mr. Cubellis stated that his proposed project is moving forward.
Adoption of
Procedures
Selectman Harrington MOVED
and SECONDED by Selectman Conron to
adopt the Executive Minutes into the Board of Selectmen Rules and Procedures as
amended. UNANIMOUS VOTE
Selectman Conron MOVED
and SECONDED by Selectmen Sloniecki
to approve the Board of Selectman Rules of Procedures dated 11/21/06 as
amended. UNANIMOUS VOTE.
Appointments
A. Shore & Harbor Committee
Paul Busheuff expressed interest of becoming a member of the Shore & Harbor Committee. Mr. Busheuff previously served on the Bourne Mooring Moratorium Working Group.
Selectman Mealy MOVED and SECONDED by Selectman Conron to approve Paul Busheuff’s appointment to the Shore & Harbor Committee. UNANIMOUS VOTE
Town Administrator’s
Report
TA Guerino noted the Council on Aging Director’s appointment of Esther Bernardo as the secretary. TA Guerino is not asking to waive the 15 days waiver.
Town retirees who reach the age of 65 are turned to Medicaid A or B since 1992. Town Meeting Article was adopted.
Chm. Zuern inquired about employees who have thirty (30) years of service into the town but are not at the age of 65.
TA Guerino will look into further.
The Board of Selectmen will be addressing the annual liquor license list. Since it will require some time to sign and are needed by November 30, 2006, TA Guerino suggested the Board sign the documents at Town Hall the next business day or to wait until the end of the meeting.
All budgets with the exception of a couple have been turned in early.
Reverse 911 will be implemented for the first time on November 27, 2006 to remind the public of a ballot vote on November 29, 2006 regarding the additional funding for the proposed new elementary school/early education center and to please exercise their right to vote.
Selectman Mealy wanted to commend the School Forum and asked when it will be aired for the public to view. (Friday, November 24, 2006 and Monday, November 27).
The Board of Selectman thanked TA Guerino for the idea of the School Forum and putting together.
Selectman Mealy suggested putting the Financial Calendar on the website.
Other Selectman
Business
None at this time.
Selectman’s Reports
Selectman Conron said she was delighted and thankful for the School Forum and how it was presented. She also wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.
Selectman Mealy also expressed his feelings for the School Forum.
Selectman Sloniecki wished everyone Happy Thanksgiving and said that he would sign the liquor license documents at Town Hall.
Selectman Harrington stated that the Town of Bourne had a lot to be thankful for with regard to the way the School Forum was conducted. He also wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.
Chm. Zuern thanked Edmond LaFleur, Superintendent, for the School Forum and also the members of the School Committee, the School Project Committee and the Project Manager for all of their efforts. It demonstrated democracy at its best.
Chm. Zuern said she attended the Landfill Tour and it was educational.
Chm. Zuern saw the play South Pacific production by the Bourne High School and encouraged future plays.
Chm. Zuern said the Bourne Committee will be meeting on Wed. November 22, 2006.
Chm. Zuern said that the Fire Fighters Toy Drive would be held from December 3 through December 17, 2006, collecting non-perishable items for the Food Pantry.
And lastly, Chm. Zuern noted the Festival of Trees to be held on December 2, 2006 by the Buzzards Bay Village Association at the Massachusetts Maritime Academy. A $15.00 donation is requested.
Adjourn
Selectman Sloniecki MOVED and SECONDED by Selectman Harrington to adjourn. UNANIMOUS VOTE. Meeting adjourned at 9:40 pm.