Selectmen’s Minutes
June 26, 2007
Bourne Veterans’ Memorial Community Center
239 Main Street
Buzzards Bay, MA 02532
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Attendance:
Thomas M. Guerino
Board of Selectmen:
Stephen F. Mealy, Chairman
Jamie J. Sloniecki, Vice Chairman
Judith W. Conron, Clerk
Linda M. Zuern (excused)
John A. Ford, Jr.
Call the Meeting to
Order
Meeting was called to order at 7:00 P.M.
Moment of
Silence/Salute the Flag
Approval of Minutes
Selectman Conron MOVED and SECONDED by Selectman Sloniecki to approve the minutes of June 12, 2007 as submitted. VOTE 4-0.
Public Comment
Paul Busheuff wanted to publicly thank the Town of Bourne employees for their support of the Bourne Community Boating Program. He submitted a letter stating such for the record.
Alcott Tobey wanted to publicly thank the DNR employees (D. Warncke) for the Shellfishing course and thought they could get some recognition from the Selectmen.
Correspondence
Selectman Conron read letter from Joe & Joanne Carrara re: Bourne on the Fourth of July event.
Selectman Conron reviewed the correspondence. All correspondence is on file in the Town Administrator’s Office for review.
Comments on
Correspondence
Comments on the access road of the new Elementary School and Early Childhood Center and comments from Atty. Troy were discussed. TA Guerino stated this documentation was needed to amend the emergency access to include faculty and students (school buses), as well as emergency vehicles.
Note Signing
Letter dated June 22, 2007 to the Selectmen from Karen Girouard, Treasurer, noting the town sold $6,969,000 of General Obligation Bonds. These bonds were a combination of amounts and authorizations. Included are the landfill bonds to be paid from the Landfill Enterprise Fund, and also the Elementary School Construction bond is part of the entire Elementary School Construction authorization, representing part of the access road construction as well as engineering and architecture expenses to date.
Selectman Sloniecki MOVED and SECONDED by Selectman Ford to award the $6,969,000 Town of Bourne, Massachusetts General Obligation Bonds dated July 1, 2007 and maturing July 1, 2008 to 2027 to Morgan Keegan & Company, Inc. at a true interest cost of 4.191541% as set forth in a document prepared by Edwards Angell Palmer & Dodge LLP, Bond Counsel to the Town to be inserted into the minutes of this meeting. VOTE 4-0. (See attached).
Liquor Hearing
a. Sagamore Inn – amendment to existing seasonal liquor license to include outside seating. Plan on file in the TA Guerino’s office.
Selectman Sloniecki MOVED and SECONDED by Selectman Conron to recess said liquor hearing until the July 10, 2007, time to be determined. VOTE 4-0.
Selectman Sloniecki MOVED and SECONDED by Selectman Conron to approve the Change in Manager for Pizza by Evan on 170 Clay Pond Road. VOTE 4-0.
Year End Transfers – Linda Marzelli, Finance Director
TA Guerino noted the Finance Committee voted unanimously on their meeting of last night, June 25, 2007.
During May and June, and the first fifteen days of July, the Selectmen with the agreement of the Finance Committee, may transfer any departmental appropriation to another appropriation within the same or other department.
This procedure may not be used to transfer from a municipal light or school department budget; or more than three percent (3%) of a department’s annual budget or $5,000, whichever is greater.
Selectmen - the amount of $100 to transfer from Selectmen Expenses to Selectmen Salaries.
Finance Department - the amount of $26,500 to transfer from Finance Department Salaries to Finance Department Expenses.
Postage & Copy – the amount of $11,200 to transfer from Debt Service Expense to Postage & Copy Expense.
Shore & Harbor –the amount of $200 to transfer from Shore & Harbor Expense to Shore & Harbor Salaries.
Snow Removal – the amount of $22,405.61 for a total of $27,405.61 to transfer from Snow & Ice Expense to Snow & Ice Salaries and Debt Services Expense to Snow & Ice Services Salaries.
Street & Traffic Lights – the amount of $12,600 to transfer from Debt Service Expense to Street & Traffic Lights Expense.
Veterans’ Services – the amount of $1,035.00 from Debt Service Expense to Veteran’s Services.
Recreation Department – the amount of $1,650 from Recreation Expense to Recreation Salaries.
Archives - the amount of $1,900 from Debt Service Expense to Archives Expense.
State & City Assessment – the amount of $3,701.00 to transfer from Debt Service Expense to State & City Assess School Choice.
Medicare – the amount of $9,510 to transfer from Insurance Premiums 5740 $7,510 to Medicare Expense; transfer from Insurance Premium 5741 $2,000.
Medicaid Reimbursement – the amount of $1,298 to transfer from Insurance Premiums 5744 $1,298 to Medicaid Expenses.
Selectman Sloniecki MOVED and SECONDED by Selectman Ford to approve the Year End Transfers as stated above. VOTE 4-0.
Chief Baldwin addressed the Bourne Superior Officers Association letter addressed to the Selectmen regarding the shortage of employees within the Bourne Police Department.
Sergeant Farrell stated in his June 21, 2007 letter that he is requesting the Selectmen set a policy and goal, to increase the manning levels of the Police Department, on a systematic and continual basis for the next several years, until the department reaches an adequate number of officers. The Selectmen should then instruct the Finance Committee to take whatever measures are required to ensure that the staffing levels are increased within the Police Department, so that a level of service that the townspeople deserve and expect from their Police Department.
TA Guerino noted former Police Chief Ford’s long-term plan request and based on that report, the previous Board of Selectmen approved a request of an additional five (5) police officers. There is a problem and they are aware of it.
Discussion held.
Sergeant Farrell clarified TA Guerino’s earlier statement noting that out of the five (5) officers hired, two (2) officers are new hires. He also noted the ordered overtime (i.e. 80 hours and 65 hours) of some officers, stating this is a crisis.
Chm. Mealy offered his commitment of the Selectmen to assist the Police Department.
Public Comment
Kathleen Donovan noted she voted at Town Meeting for extra staffing for the Police Department.
Paul Gately asked the town’s cost to hire a new officer ($75,000, including health benefits).
Phyllis McLaughlin inquired on the Homeland Security funding for officers and about applying for grants.
Bourne’s Representative to the Barnstable County Human Rights Commission
Mr. Andrew Murray and Ms. Anne Manton submitted letters of interest as Bourne’s Representative to the Barnstable County Human Rights Commission.
TA Guerino noted Mr. Murray would not able to attend tonight’s meeting. Ms. Manton addressed the Board. It was the consensus of the Board to proceed with voting for the Bourne’s Representative to the Barnstable County Human Rights Commission.
Board’s tallies: VOTE 3-1 for Ms. Manton to be Bourne’s Representative.
Selectman Sloniecki – Ann Manton
Selectman Conron – Ann Manton
Selectman Ford – Ann Manton
Chm. Mealy – Andrew Murray
Selectman Conron MOVED and SECONDED by Selectman Ford to appoint Mr. Andrew Murray as an alternate, if he so desires. VOTE 4-0.
TA Guerino will draft up letter to Mr. Murray stating said motion.
Licenses and Permits
a. Sports Auto World – Change from Class II Dealer’s License to Class I
Selectman Sloniecki MOVED and SECONDED by Selectman Conron to approve request to Change from Class II Dealer’s License to Class I with stipulations as recorded in application. VOTE 4-0.
b. St. Margaret’s Festival – held on Friday, July 6, 2007 (5 pm – 11 pm); Saturday, July 7, 2007 (1 pm – 11 pm); and Sunday, July 8, 2007 (1 pm – 6 pm) Rockwell Amusements.
Selectman Sloniecki MOVED and SECONDED by Selectman Conron to approve request noting Fire Department’s review of layout of carnival before set-up. VOTE 4-0.
Plymouth Carver Aquifer presentation
Plymouth Carver Sole Source Aquifer Action Plan Executive Summary submitted as part of the minutes (See attached).
The purpose of this plan is to develop policy that will lead to maximizing the Plymouth-Carver Aquifer’s ability to continue to supply water for this region. The long-term viability of this fragile resource begins with a strategic analysis of threats and adequacy of ongoing protection.
It was concluded that all who have participated in the PCAAC to date see tremendous value in maintaining open communication with each other and in coordinating efforts to protect this shared resource. We anticipate and recommend that the PCAAC continue to meet into the future (all seven towns – Bourne, Carver, Plymouth, Plympton, Middleborough, Wareham and Kingston and general public.
Discussion held. TA Guerino suggested reaching out to the universities and colleges in the State of Massachusetts.
Selectman Sloniecki JS JC letter of approval to accept the letter of recommendations as presented. VOTE 4-0.
The Board took a two-minute recess.
Appointments
a. Cape Cod Joint Transportation Advisory Committee – Alternate
Selectman Ford MOVED and SECONDED by Selectman Sloniecki to appoint George Sala as the Alternate to the Cape Cod Joint Transportation Advisory Committee, term ending June 30, 2008. VOTE 4-0.
Selectman Ford MOVED and SECONDED by Selectman Sloniecki to appoint Michael Blanton to the Selectmen’s Transportation Advisory Committee term, ending April 24, 2010. VOTE 4-0.
b. Historic Commission
Selectman Ford MOVED and SECONDED by Selectman Conron to re-appoint Donald Jacobs, Thelma Loring, Jack MacDonald and Susan Abbe to the Historic Commission, all terms ending June 30, 2010. VOTE 4-0.
c. Conservation Commission
Selectman Ford MOVED and SECONDED by Selectman Conron to re-appoint B. Paul Bushueff, term ending June 30, 2010; John D. Fisk, term ending June 30, 2010; Michael Gratis, term ending June 30, 2008; Elizabeth Kielbala, Alternate, term ending June 30, 2008; Mike Leitzel, term ending June 30, 2008; to the Conservation Commission. VOTE 4-0.
d. Constable
Selectman Conron MOVED and SECONDED by Selectman Ford to re-appoint Russell Tinkham, Jr. and Lee Gresh, Sr. as Constable, all terms ending June 30, 2008.
VOTE 4-0.
e. Bourne Financial Development Corporation
Selectman Ford MOVED and SECONDED by Selectman Conron to re-appoint John Harding, John Elwood and Marie Olivia to the Bourne Financial Development Corporation, all terms ending June 30, 2008. VOTE 4-0.
f. Bourne Housing Partnership Committee
Selectman Sloniecki MOVED and SECONDED by Selectman Conron to re-appoint Cynthia Coffin, Francis Garland Anderegg, Albert J. Hill, Paula McConnell, Coreen Moore, Sue Ross, Barbara Thurston and Mary-Ellen Wilczynski to the Bourne Housing Partnership Committee, all terms ending June 30, 2008. VOTE 4-0.
TA Guerino will write a letter, on behalf of the Board, if Peter Meier would like to be re-appointed to the Bourne Housing Partnership Committee.
g. Selectmen’s Task Force on Local Pollution & Community Oversight Group for the Phase II Stormwater Management Community Oversight Group
Selectman Conron MOVED and SECONDED by Selectman Ford to re-appoint James Mulvey, Anthony Bondi, Pauline Townsend, Les Perry, E. Harlan King and Robert Jenney to the Selectmen’s Task Force on Local Pollution & Community Oversight Group for the Stormwater Management Group, all terms ending June 30, 2008. VOTE 4-0.
h. Bourne Cultural Council
Selectman Conron MOVED and SECONDED by Selectman Ford to re-appoint Karen Gradowski and Kathy Timmins to the Bourne Cultural Council, terms ending June 30, 2010. VOTE 4-0.
Chm. Mealy thanked all volunteers for their work for the town.
Town Administrator’s
Report
Re-appointment of Anne Ekstrom to Board of Assessors and recommended waiving the 15-day period.
Selectman Sloniecki MOVED and SECONDED by Selectman Ford to waive the 15 days. VOTE 4-0.
Next meeting TA Guerino will note appointments of both new Assistant Assessor and the new Director of Business Services of the ISWM Division, pending CORI checks.
The Fire Chief consultant RFT relative to the Assessment Center received three (3) bids (DIJ Associates, Resource Management Associates and MMA Consulting Group). TA Guerino awarded the $7,500 bid to MMA Consulting Group with approval coming from Human Resources. TA Guerino will publish on website a Forum (July 10, 2007 – location TBD) for hiring of a Fire Chief.
Monday, June 18, 2007 the Police Department election for the Representative by Union Brotherhood moved from IBPO to New England Brotherhood of Police Officers. It was noted this was a certified election.
Heather Galante’s resignation from the position of Health Inspector. Chm. Mealy requested TA Guerino write a letter on behalf of the board thanking Ms. Galante for her service to the town.
DNR Director position was advertised internally. TA Guerino worked with moving an employee out of LIUNA to the B Employees Association accepted. Internal postings will close on Thursday, June 28, 2007. TA Guerino will make appointment prior to July 1, 2007.
Legislature passed the local cable communications and voted down the local option tax. TA Guerino is sending an abridged letter to include all other items and will have for the board’s signature at the next meeting. This will authorize cities and towns to go into the GIC program.
The final draft of the Personnel Handbook and Procedures is ready and will be provided to the various Union Stewards. TA Guerino is awaiting comments, as well as LIUNA’s. for their comments. The document will be presented to the board either July 10, 2007 or July 31, 2007.
TA Guerino also noted the Fire Operations Procedures portion is almost complete and is awaiting the Fire Chief’s comments and will be brought to the board for review and comments simultaneously.
Selectmen Goals will discussed at the July 24, 2007 meeting.
Attended the MMA Graduation Ceremony.
Other Selectmen
Business
None at this time.
Selectmen’s Report
Selectman Ford:
June 13, 2007 - attended the Men’s Breakfast Report on changes to improve Buzzards Bay.
June 15, 2007 – attended the MMA Graduation Reception.
June 20, 2007 – attended the MMA Emergency Management Evacuation of Cape Cod.
June 21, 2007 - attended the Friend’s Luncheon of which $210,000 raised to be used for the elderly in the Town of Bourne.
Selectman Conron:
June 19, 2007 - attended the Wareham’s Selectmen’s Meeting of Wareham and handed out copy of agenda for informational purposes.
June 20, 2007 – attend the LCP meeting of which topic was any changes to the Cape Cod Commission. John Litman will review and approve before bringing to Town Meeting.
Selectman Conron inquired about the Legislation Charter Changes.
TA Guerino noted Charter changes went to the Senate and transferred to the House and got through the House First Reading and awaiting the Second Reading (need 3 members in attendance for reading then engrossment). Held up because house has not had a formal session for several sessions. TA Guerino noted he expects it to move through the Third Reading rather quickly.
June 25, 2007 – attended the Woman’s Health Forum
Also attended the Strawberry Festival.
June 29, 2007 - the Library Building Committee at 4 pm and 5 pm is the closing of the Silent Auction.
Selectman Sloniecki:
Attended Bourne Baseball Fundraisers.
The Bourne 4th of July Parade – requested anyone available to donate property for public parking to call Joe Carrara.
Noted the ISWM’s burial of an endangered whale.
TA Guerino noted the death of whale has been properly buried at the landfill. Discussion held on the board’s granting a waiver for the increased tonnage at the landfill. TA Guerino will research further and discuss at the next meeting.
Chm. Mealy requested a future meeting to start the budgeting process as early as August.
Chm. Mealy attended the MMA Graduation Reception.
Adjourn
Selectman Sloniecki MOVED and SECONDED by Selectman Conron to adjourn. UNANIMOUS VOTE. Meeting adjourned at 9:48 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Lisa Groezinger, sec.