Selectmen’s Minutes
January 30, 2007
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
Stephen F. Mealy, Vice Chairman
Jamie J. Sloniecki, Clerk
Judith Conron
John J. Harrington
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 Sloniecki MOVED and SECONDED by Selectman Harrington to approve the Minutes of January 23, 2007 as amended. UNANIMOUS VOTE.
Public Comment –
Non-Agenda Items
Richard Conron as member of the IART, the EPA is looking for two more representatives for the IART. This committee meets monthly, with an indefinite term. Anyone interested to contact him directly.
Jim Mulvey commented on the DNR Ad Hoc Review Committee’s demeanor in that each member was professional and expressed his respect.
Correspondence
Selectman Sloniecki reviewed the correspondence. All correspondence is on file in the Town Administrator’s Office for review.
Comments on
Correspondence
Selectman Conron asked for clarification on the Brian Handy letter regarding the 1 acre parcel. TA Guerino stated that the way the trust was written, the Town of Bourne has the 1st right of refusal of this parcel. TA Guerino mentioned that this is something the town is not interested at this point in time, but will get more information to discuss at a later date.
Appointments/Licenses
Selectman Conron MOVED and SECONDED by Selectman Sloniecki to approve the appointment of George Sala to the Cape Cod Joint Transportation Advisory Committee. UNANIMOUS VOTE.
Selectman Sloniecki MOVED
and SECONDED by Selectman Mealy to
approve the request of Auctioneer License for Charles Lewis as submitted. UNANIMOUS
VOTE.
Selectman Mealy MOVED and SECONDED by Selectman Conron to approve the request of Auctioneer License for Ed Tessier as submitted. UNANIMOUS VOTE.
Budget Review
TA Guerino stated that this has been a collaborative budget process. There has been excellent working relations with all Department Heads, Finance Director Linda Marzelli and Finance Committee Chairman Hal DeWaltoff.
TA Guerino stated that either budget does not have a lot of play and give.
TA Guerino stated that the current budget as proposed is 4.85% over budget from last year. For every ½ % is equal to $250,000 (1% equals $500,000) when the two (2) enterprise funds are taken out.
TA Guerino picked up where last left budget discussion with the DNR budget:
DNR – up 2% over the previous year. Other prices of the budget include equipment repair, vehicle rising costs, electrical at Taylor’s Point (hot water system). This hot water system was anticipated, but put in the Capital request for $24,000. Gas is up at Monument Beach.
DPW – up in labor (2 people in each recycling and sanitation).
Discussion on possible advantages to the town contracting sanitation and recycling collections in the future, and looking into what other towns as a guide. TA Guerino also added that there are “pay as you throw” policies.
Snow & Ice – this is budgeted by State requirements.
Library – increased by $5,000 to meet the State requirements on obtaining a grant for new books.
Recreation Dept. – increased due to buildings and grounds.
School – up 3.5% and is about where it was lat year.
Upper Cape Tech (UCT) – this budget is not in at this time. TA Guerino suggested that if the town wanted a reduction, he requested the board sign a letter addressed to other tech school districts stating if Bourne cuts the budget, request they do the same. The consensus of the board was unanimous. No formal vote was taken.
a. Budget Cap Parameters – TA Guerino recommended none at this time.
In summary, TA Guerino stated that the “draconian budget” is not a sustainable one based on what he has seen. There are a lot of external factors that are beyond control (i.e. State Aid, real estate).
Joint Meeting - Budget
The board discussed having a small workshop session with a representative from each the School Committee and the Finance Committee. This would be a financial policy discussion.
Discussion held. Items for proposed workshop:
a. Survey on website
b. Pay as Go overrides
c. Capital (debt exclusion or override?)
TA Guerino will set up date for said meeting and report back to the board.
Public Comment
J. Mulvey noted that the board is very conservative in both sides of the budget. He also stated that he saw drawbacks to contracting sanitation and recycling.
Selectman Harrington suggested a road show at different villages for the future. The consensus of the board was positive.
Bylaw Committee
Report
Selectman Conron is the Chairman of this Committee. She discussed the Bylaw Committee and hopes this discussion becomes a model for other committees for reporting to the board.
Bylaw Committee proposes to amend article changing the Annual Town Meeting and Elections. The Annual Town Meeting to be held on the first Monday in May of each year. The annual town elections shall be held on the third Wednesday of May each year.
The Town Moderator, Town Clerk and TA Guerino all agree this is a good idea.
Selectman Conron reviewed membership of other committees suggestions (Bylaw, Finance) and that stated they are also currently reviewing the Weights and Measures article.
NIMS
Chm. Zuern discussed Federal mandating training for all Department Heads, Chiefs, Selectmen and Emergency personnel are certified in IS 700, and added courses IS 456 and IS 100. Courses are available on line (FEMA website) or TA Guerino can arrange a class date and time. He requested the board to e-mail preferences.
Town Administrator’s Report
TA Guerino noted Selectman Sloniecki’s letter of resignation from the Cape Cod Joint Transportation Committee dated January 30, 2007.
TA Guerino noted the appointment of Debbie McCarthy to fill the vacant permanent part-time secretarial position in the DNR. He is not requesting to waive the 15 day period.
Other Selectmen
Business
Selectman Conron MOVED and SECONDED by Selectman Harrington to add “Cape Cod Commission exoficio (non-voting member)” in place of “Cape Cod Commission staff member” as one of the Joint Transportation Committee members. UNAMIMOUS VOTE.
Selectman Harrington reported that he and Selectman Conron are in the beginning stages of the Policy Committee and are moving forward.
V. Chm. Mealy noted he would like to attend the monthly Cape Cod Selectmen & Counselor’s meeting of February 9, 2007 at 7:30 am at the Lost Dog Pub.
Selectmen’s Reports
V. Chm. Mealy noted that the e-mail from DLS services should be forwarded to the MIS department at Town Hall. TA Guerino stated this had been done.
Chm. Zuern noted she attended the Bourne Committee meeting and that their Transportation presentation was very informative.
The Buzzards Bay Village Association’s Snowflake Ball will be held on February 10, 2007 and tickets are still available for $25.
The S&B meeting will be held on January 31, 2007 at 6:30 pm at the Best Western to discuss the Air Force base.
Chm. Zuern suggested people go to the MEMA website for lists of Winter Preparedness.
Chm. Zuern noted the Community Emergency Responsive classes at Cape Cod Community College and urged to call David Viera (508-563-4320) if interested.
Adjourn
Selectman Sloniecki MOVED and SECONDED by Selectman Harrington to adjourn. UNANIMOUS VOTE. Meeting adjourned at 9:25 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Lisa Groezinger, sec.