HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-08-31 Board of Selectmen Minutes BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES AUGUST 31, 1999
CALL TO ORDER: Keith Mitchell called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
ATTENDANCE: The following were present: Keith A. Mitchell, Chairman;William B. Duffy, Jr.;
John R. Leeman, Jr.; Donald B. Stewart; James M. Xenakis; Robert J. Halpin, Town Manager.
COMMUNICATIONS,ANNOUNCEMENTS,AND PUBLIC COMMENT:
GLSD. Donald Stewart remarked about the odors from GLSD on Saturday, Sunday and Monday, and
the fact he had received a number of calls about it. John Leeman requested the Town Manager to have
the Board of Health inquire why the odors are so terrible this year.
Drummond Park Fields. Donald Stewart said the softball playoffs are beginning next week, and
Drummond Park is in deplorable condition. The Town Manager indicated that the DPW worked on the
field two weeks ago, but he would request that the DPW again do repairs.
Sutton Pond Condominiums. Emma Donnelly, a resident of Sutton Pond, discussed the fact that the
residents of Sutton Pond did receive an invitation to tour Safety-Kleen and thanked the Board for their
assistance.
She also thanked the Town Manager for his assistance in the water/sewer issue but expressed
disappointment that the meeting with the Town Manager was not going to be held.
LICENSING:
Although there were no Licensing issues on the agenda,the Town Manager gave an update on the
Safety-Kleen issue. He said the permitting process has been referred to the Zoning Board of Appeals.
Keith Mitchell asked about the Common Victualer Licenses, and the Board receiving any conditions that
are attached to the licenses. The Town Manager said the Town Clerk's Office is researching it, and
should be finished by the September 13th meeting.
OLD BUSINESS:
Update on Finance Director Recruitment/Selection Process. The Town Manager said approximately 26
resumes were received and five people were interviewed. He said that one applicant is coming in for a
second interview, and he would give another update on September 13, 1999.
Further Discussion of Mr. Fink's Comments Regarding Town Warrant and Public Hearing Process. The
Town Manager stated that Mr. Fink's comment is because the warrant is closed at that point and
therefore,the Planning Board is unable to make changes to any articles after suggestions from interested
citizens. He further stated that people should be encouraged to submit proposals any time during the
year so that hearing can be held prior to the official open and close of the warrant. The Chairman said
there should be an attempt to inform the public.
Suggested Letter from Selectmen to Governor and State Legislature Regarding Reinstatement of Binding
Arbitration on Police and Fire Contracts. The Town Manager reviewed the letter he drafted regarding
binding arbitration(see attached).
William Duffy said that when the arbitration is fair,the Town has generally supported it.
Board of Selectmen Minutes August 31, 1999 Page 2
John Leeman made a MOTION, seconded by James Xenakis,to send the letter to the Governor and
Legislature; vote approved 5 — 0.
NEW BUSINESS:
Request for a Three Wasp Sign at the Intersections of South Bradford Streets and Winter Street.
Residents from South Bradford and Winter Streets were in attendance to express their concern. Sgt. Fred
Soucy, Safety Officer, discussed the process to authorize a Stop sign. He said he will conduct traffic and
speed counts in the area and this will be completed by the end of September.
Donald Stewart suggested asking for selective enforcement on South Bradford Street.
This will be an agenda item on September 27, 1999.
Approve Lease of Van for Youth Services Department. The Town Manager said this lease is paid for by
Youth Services and because the term of the lease exceeds three years they need the approval of the Board
of Selectmen.
William Duffy made a MOTION, seconded by John Leeman,to approve the lease of the van; vote
approved 5 — 0.
EXECUTIVE SESSION: John Leeman made a MOTION, seconded by James Xenakis,to move into
Executive Session to discuss the Police Contract and as an added agenda item,the Firefighters Contract;
vote approved 5 — 0.
The Board of Selectmen was individually polled and each voted to move into Executive Session.
Ann M. Keating
Administrative Secretary James M. Xenakis, Clerk of the Board