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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-06-07 Board of Selectmen Minutes BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES JUNE 7, 1999 CALL TO ORDER: Keith Mitchell called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. ATTENDANCE: The following were present: Keith A. Mitchell, Chairman; William Duffy; John R. Leeman, Jr.; Donald B. Stewart; James M. Xenakis; Robert J. Halpin, Town Manager. COMMUNICATIONS,ANNOUNCEMENTS,AND PUBLIC COMMENT: Keith Mitchell congratulated and presented Town Clerk Joyce Bradshaw with a certificate of appreciation on being awarded the Certified Massachusetts Municipal Clerk designation by the Massachusetts Town Clerks Association. Keith Mitchell announced the appointment contingent on HRD approval of the following Reserve Police Officers—Kristen Asaro, Ashley Seed, Allison Williams, Charles Gray, John Burke, Michael Davis, Chad Lawlor and Scott Whittaker Keith Mitchell announced that an Executive Session has been added to the agenda to discuss strategy for collective bargaining, Police Contract and the Finance Director situation. Keith Mitchell said that William Duffy informed him that on June 17th the Selectmen have a golf challenge with the Andover Board of Selectmen. Keith Mitchell announced that the next meeting will be a working session on Wednesday, June 16, 1999 at 7:00 p.m. to discuss water and sewer, Master Plan and Appointments. Donald Stewart questioned what is happening with Kevin Mahoney, Director of Finance. This issue was then added to the Executive Session agenda. The Town Manager made the sad announcement that Carol Pawelski, a former Town employee, passed away over the week-end. LICENSING COMMISSIONERS: James Xenakis made a MOTION, seconded by John Leeman to move into Licensing; vote approved 5 - 0. John Leeman made a MOTION, seconded by Keith Mitchell,to approve the following one-day licenses: 1. Joseph Chedid, owner of Joseph's Landing Cafe, 492 Sutton Street, requests a one-day wine & malt license for Chamber of Commerce Mixer on June 22, 1999, 5:00 p.m. —7:00 p.m. 2. Evy Gillette, Manager, Stevens Estate @ Osgood Hill, _723 Osgood Street, requests a one-day all alcohol license for Chris Mantress Peace Meal, June 8, 1999, 11:00 a.m. —4:00 p.m. vote approved 5 — 0. Keith Mitchell made a MOTION, seconded by John Leeman,to move out of Licensing; vote approved 5 — 0. BOARD REORGANIZATION: Board of Selectmen Minutes June 7, 1999 Page 2 Donald Stewart made a MOTION, seconded by John Leeman,to reappoint Keith Mitchell as Chairman of the Board of Selectmen; vote approved 5 — 0. John Leeman made a MOTION, seconded by James Xenakis,to reappoint Donald Stewart as Chairman of Licensing; vote approved 5 — 0. John Leeman made a MOTION, seconded by Donald Stewart,to appoint James Xenakis as Clerk of the Board; vote approved 5 — 0. OLD BUSINESS: Rights-of-Way Vegetation Management Update. The Town Manager said he received a copy of the 1999 Post-Emergent Yearly Operational Plan and Environmental Monitor Notice for the Boston and Maine Corporation. John Leeman made a MOTION, seconded by James Xenakis,to send a letter to Boston and Maine Corporation strongly objecting to the use of herbicides and toxics; vote approved 5 — 0. Revenue Update—FY 1999. The Town Manager addressed five line items of the general fund revenues in detail. The Town Manager stated that Motor Vehicle Excise will probably exceed the budget estimates by nearly$290,000. The next category the Town Manager spoke about was Charges for Services—Trash Disposal (Wheelabrator). He noted that there will be a slight shortfall in this area. Building permits are below expectations. The budget for 1999 is $900,012 and through April collections are $371,921. However,Wheelabrator has indicated they will pay the permit fees of$240,000 by June 30, 1999 and Edgewood is preparing for its second phase and the first installment is $34,000. During the month of May,the Building Commissioner has received an additional $25,000 in permit fees. Indications are the actual for FY'99 will be $670,929. Investment Income should be slightly over budget expectations by approximately$18,000. There is typically a supplemental lottery distribution that comes at the end of the year. The budget that is going through the House and Senate currently has a lower lottery distribution than estimates by$40,000. William Duffy had questions about the fees. He is concerned about the low number of building permits and lower new growth. The Town Manager agreed there is cause for concern. William Duffy requested that numbers for the prior month be received early the next month. The Town Manager said May's numbers should be provided by June 16tH Donald Stewart requested a budget breakdown on expenses for Stevens Pond. The Town Manager said he would provide it. Sub-Committee Review. The Board of Selectmen reviewed the various sub-committees that a Selectmen is a member. John Leeman made a MOTION, seconded by Donald Stewart,to delete committees that are no longer active including—West Side Sewer Overflow, Sewer Task Force,Warrant, Police Sergeant and CIP; vote approved 5 — 0. Board of Selectmen Minutes June 7, 1999 Page 3 John Leeman made a MOTION, seconded by Donald Stewart,to appoint James Xenakis to the Cable Committee to replace David Torrisi; vote approved 5 —0. James Xenakis made a MOTION, seconded by Donald Stewart,to appoint James Xenakis to Youth Services to replace David Torrisi; vote approved 5 — 0. Policy on Ballfields. The Town Manager said he would be going back to court on Wednesday, June 9th. He reviewed the latest draft policy saying there was agreement on 90%of the policy. One part that is an issue is that if there is a dispute regarding allocation, Little League wants an impartial arbitrator. The policy states that the Town Manager will act as arbitrator. NEW BUSINESS: Education Reform—Letter to State Representative David Torrisi regarding excess debt requirement. The Board reviewed the letter and deemed it appropriate. William Duffy made a MOTION, seconded by John Leeman,to send the letter to State Representative David Torrisi; vote approved 5 — 0. Short Term Borrowing Authorization. The Town Manager reviewed short-term borrowing plans. The three borrowings include $600,000 to cover outstanding Chapter 90 roadwork pending receipt of reimbursements from Mass. Highway, $2,375,000 for a variety of water and sewer projects pending permanent financing and$3,679,000 for a term of 12 months for capital projects. The Board did not feel that the borrowing of$600,000 should be included in the bid, and it would be re-visited in the fall. EXECUTIVE SESSION: John Leeman made a MOTION, seconded by James Xenakist,to move into Executive Session to discuss the strategy for Collective Bargaining,the Police Contract and contract negotiations with non-union personnel (Le. Finance Director); vote approved 5 — 0. The Board of Selectmen was individually polled and each voted to move into Executive Session. Ann M. Keating Administrative Secretary John R. Leeman, Jr., Clerk of the Board