Board of Selectmen’s Minutes
June 10, 2008
Bourne’s Veterans’
Memorial Community Center
239 Main Street, Buzzards Bay, MA 02532
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Thomas M. Guerino, Town Administrator
Stephen F. Mealy, Chairman
Judith W. Conron, Vice Chairman
John A. Ford, Jr., Clerk
Jamie J. Sloniecki
Mary Meli
Meeting Called to Order
Meeting called to order at 7:00 pm.
Announcements -
Upcoming public events notification
Selectman Ford reviewed the correspondence. All correspondence is on file in the Town Administrator’s Office.
Selectman Conron read into record letter re: cleanliness update of playing center behind the Community Building from John Keene.
Item C – Request for cable service at 24 Yearling Run Road.
Selectman Ford MOVED and SECONDED by Selectman Conron to grant cable service at 24 Yearling Run Road. VOTE 5-0.
Item M – Memorandum from Cape Cod Commission re: Release of draft 2008 Cape Cod Regional Policy Plan. A copy of document requested for the Board.
Items J & K (Keith Field) – TA Guerino discussed lighting issue at Keith Field and stated it is not due to reconstruction of Keith Field. Cost estimates for repair will go out assuming a re-wire.
Stop signs at President’s Road and Lamont Road in Gray Gables – TA noted police would do study and make recommendation back to TA Guerino and the Board of Selectman.
Board of Health
Emergency Plan presentation, Ms. Cindy Coffin, Health Inspector
Presentation was
developed and revised by the Cape and Islands Health Agents Coalition. A copy is on file at the Town
Administrator’s Office (CD copies were handed out to the Selectmen). The goal is to have a general public forum
in the future.
Lynda Costa, Medical
Reserve Corps (MRC) Volunteer Coordinator [(508) 375-6641], briefly discussed
the formation of the MRC. She discussed
the forming of an MRC Executive Committee to focus on town and volunteer
needs.
Discussion with Jean
Campbell – Regarding Archives Committee dissolution
TA advised currently seeking Town Counsel if Town Meeting vote required. TA Guerino advised this would be on agenda at a time Mrs. Campbell can be present.
Licenses/Committee
Appointments
Selectman Conron MOVED and SECONDED by Selectman Ford to re-appoint Timothy M.
Sawyer for a five-year term on the Board of Appeals. VOTE 5-0.
Selectman Ford MOVED and SECONDED by Selectman Sloniecki to re-appoint Wade M.
Keen and John E. O’Brien Associate members on the Board of Appeals for one-year
term. VOTE 5-0.
Third vacancy is
currently being advertised.
Selectman Ford MOVED and SECONDED by Selectman Sloniecki to re-appoint Bruce
MacDonald and Robert Palumbo to the Conservation Commission for three-year
terms. VOTE 5-0.
Selectman Conron MOVED and SECONDED by Selectman Ford to re-appoint Mike
Leitzel, Michael Gratis and Elizabeth R. Kiebala as Associate members on the
Conservation Commission for one-year term.
VOTE 5-0.
Selectman Ford MOVED and SECONDED by Selectman Sloniecki to re-appoint Lee M.
Gresh and Russell Tinkahm, Jr. as a Constable for one-year term. VOTE
5-0.
Selectman Conron MOVED and SECONDED by Selectman Ford to re-appoint Barbara R.
Jacobs as a Registrar of Voters for a three-year term. VOTE
5-0.
Selectman Sloniecki MOVED and SECONDED by Selectman Ford to re-appoint Wendy J.
Chapman and Ann Dastous as Assistant Registrar of Voters for one-year
term. VOTE 5-0.
Selectman Ford MOVED and SECONDED by Selectman Sloniecki to re-appoint David
Crane and Charles Perry to the Shore & Harbor Committee for three-year
terms.
VOTE 5-0.
Selectman Ford MOVED and SECONDED by Selectman Sloniecki recommended
postponement of vote until next regular Selectmen’s meeting after obtaining
recommendations of Planning Board and Finance Committee by the Bylaw Committee
and to notify interested parties (Robert Pacheco, Michael Butler, Diane Flynn,
Robert C. Gaynor and Marilyn Morris). VOTE 5-0.
Chris Farrell (Chm.
Planning Board) recommended postponement of Town Noise Bylaw Committee until
the next regular Selectmen’s meeting.
Selectman Mealy MOVED and SECONDED by Selectman Sloniecki to appoint Judy
Conron as Selectmen’s member for an indefinite term. VOTE 5-0.
Employee Benefit Blue Cross Health Insurance rate setting explanation/comparisons.
TA Guerino noted Selectmen provide a recommended budget allocation for the health/dental benefits in the annual operating budget. Allocation is based upon staff review of a number of items including claims history and anticipated claims.
One distinct segment for discussion is the rates for Town policy. Another segment is the Selectmen’s inquiry of joining a larger group equals a better rate and benefit to both Town and employees. He also compared employee benefit insurance options.
In summary, Finance Director, Treasurer and Town Administrator unanimously recommend the Town remain self-insured for the upcoming year. This is not to say that the Town will not look to move toward a different model in future years.
TA Guerino’s office will continue to pursue other options such as the Plymouth Group, maintaining close communication with Cape and Island group, and monitor the stability of the GIC programs.
Karen Girouard commented that rates have been lower and coverage has been better than the Cape Municipal Group for most of the 21 years she has been involved with the group benefit plans.
TA Guerino noted the 10% rate increase recommendation (Cook & Company and Blue Cross/Blue Shield) actual increase of 5.3% that was appropriated for FY08.
Selectman Sloniecki MOVED and SECONDED by Selectman Meli the Town remain self-insured for FY09. VOTE 4-1 with opposing vote from J. Conron.
Discussion to address Town Noise Bylaw Committee or establish separate Committee/Task Force.
The consensus of the Board is that they are against a separate committee. There was discussion of actions the Bylaw Committee to take (obtaining equipment, hold hearings).
Joe Agrillo commented on being against a separate committee.
Jim Mulvey commented that the Bylaw Committee recognizes noise by entertainment establishments is an issue.
Selectman Sloniecki noted July 8, 2008 is the next scheduled
meeting.
Other Selectmen Business
Selectman Ford MOVED and SECONDED by Selectman Sloniecki to approve the Class II Car Dealer License for E Customs, 175 Clay Pond Road, Monument Beach.
VOTE 5-0.
TA Guerino noted Tuesday, June 24, 2008 at 4:00 pm – 9/9:30 pm. TA Guerino will contact Mr. Bruno for scheduling.
Selectman Conron MOVED and SECONDED by Selectman Ford to appoint TA Guerino to serve as the Chairman’s designee on the Regional Transit Authority (RTA).
VOTE 5-0.
Town Administrator’s Report
TA Guerino noted the resignation of the Weights and Measures, and said many other Cape towns contract with Town of Barnstable. Barnstable is willing to help out in the interim. He is looking to bring proposal to the Board at a future date. TA Guerino is also looking at the State.
Jim Mulvey inquired about who oversees the Weights and Measures.
Selectmen’s Report
Selectman Sloniecki wanted to go on record as positive comment on Wareham’s smart growth.
Selectman Conron attended the Teacher’s Retirement celebration. She also attended an Insurance Reform, as well as the Library Luncheon.
Selectman Ford attended the Human Resource meeting and noted some openings on the committee.
Selectman Meli commented on the teachers that retired. She also attended the Capital Outlay Committee meeting.
Chm. Mealy attended the Teacher’s Retirement meeting.
Selectman Sloniecki MOVED and SECONDED by Selectman Ford to adjourn. Meeting adjourned at 9:45 pm. UNANIMOUS VOTE.
Respectfully submitted,
Lisa A. Groezinger, sec.