MINUTES
SELECTMEN’S MEETING
GRIFFIN ROOM, TOWN HALL
MONDAY, JUNE 4, 2007
7:00 P.M.
SELECTMEN PRESENT: Cole, Marsland, McManus, Piekarski, Wilkins
OTHERS PRESENT: Town Administrator James Merriam, Deputy Chief Bill Flynn, David Ryan, Craig Wiegand, Lincoln Hooper, Richard Flink, and others.
MEETING CALLED TO ORDER at 7:00 p.m. by Chairman Wilkins.
WEEKLY BRIEFING
Deputy Chief Flynn reported that June 29th will be Chief Remillard’s last day at the Harwich Fire Department and there will be a Change of Watch Ceremony at 9:00 a.m., his swearing as Chief as well as Norman Clarke’s swearing in as Deputy Chief. He invited the Board to attend.
Mr. Hooper reported that he has had many comments from citizens on how good the Town looked for the Memorial Day holiday and he thanked his department for their hard work. He added that the dredging project at Allen Harbor is exceeding all of their expectations and commented on his department’s extensive efforts at hauling sand. He took questions from the Board on the project.
Mr. Ryan reported on revenue results to date for the fiscal year.
CONSENT AGENDA
A. Resignation of Roger Peterson – Board of Appeals
B. Caleb Chase Request
Mr. McManus moved to approve the Consent Agenda and the recommended actions thereon. Mr. Marsland seconded the motion and the motion carried by a unanimous vote.
TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
Mr. Merriam delivered the following report to the Board:
Selectmen’s Rules of Operation
Selectman Marsland researched the minutes and discovered a further amendment on October 10th, 2006. Attached is a copy of those minutes with the minor amendments. The Rules call for re-organization on the second meeting subsequent to the May election.
PUBLIC HEARINGS (7:15 P.M.)
A. Disposal Area Fees
Mr. Piekarski read the hearing notice into record. Mr. Merriam explained that the proposal before the Board is to increase the fee for the Residential Second Sticker for the Disposal Area from $15 to $25. Mr. Hooper explained that this increase is being recommended in an effort to approach a full cost recovery position at the Disposal Area without increasing the cost of the primary sticker. He took questions from the Board.
Mr. McManus moved to increase the Residential Second Sticker from $15 to $25. Mr. Marsland seconded the motion. The motion carried by a 4-1-0 vote with Mr. Piekarski in opposition.
TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT (Continued)
FY 06 School Budget Review
Attached is a brief report submitted to you by Dave Ryan and me as a result of our inquiry with School Administration.
Mr. Merriam read the full report (attached) to the Board and the Board discussed the report with Mr. Ryan and Mr. Merriam.
Budget / Warrant Time Line for FY 09 and Perpetual Calendar
Chairman Wilkins has requested that we discuss these two documents. The perpetual calendar starts in July for the beginning of the fiscal year as opposed to the current practice of a calendar year. The thought is to align these two documents. Furthermore, we should start to develop goals for the community which then can be incorporated into both the budget process as well as the performance review system.
Open Space Plan
John Chatham and I have been discussing how best to proceed with this work and I have expanded the discussion to Paul Widegren and Jack Brown who cosponsored this article.
Projects
The Dredge pumping from Allen Harbor to Earle Road started on May 31st. The base paving of the Earle Road parking lot was also undertaken on Thursday. Highway started hauling the sand on June 1st to Red River Beach.
Sue Flood
Attleboro City Clerk Sue Flood suddenly passed away last week-end, so Anita Doucette and I attended her wake on May 30th. Sue was well respected in Attleboro City Hall as well with City and Town Clerks throughout Massachusetts.
DISCUSSION ITEMS
A. Allan Campbell claim – Water main break damage
Mr. Merriam outlined the incident of February 7, 2007 in which a water main break on Sea Street caused damage to Mr. Campbell’s property. He noted that the claim had been forwarded to the Town’s insurance carrier and Town Counsel and the opinion of both is that this was an “Act of God.” Mr. Merriam added that this item is under the jurisdiction of the Water Commission.
Mr. Cole disagreed with the statement that this incident was an “Act of God.” Mr. Piekarski stated that communication with the homeowner was somewhat botched and we need to make sure that the process flows more smoothly. Mr. Wiegand stated that Mr. Campbell was upset with the time it took for Town Counsel to return its decision and that was out of our control. Mr. Piekarski responded that the letter that was drafted for the Chairman’s signature indicated that there was some breakdown in communication. Mr. Marsland agreed that the procedure for response should run more smoothly.
B. Board of Selectmen Liaisons to Committees, Commissions and Boards
Chairman Wilkins agreed to be liaison to the Council on Aging and School Committee and Mr. Piekarski agreed to take on the Community Preservation Committee and Planning Board. Mr. McManus agreed to be liaison to the Housing Committee and School Building Needs Committee. Mr. Cole pointed out that he is liaison to Brooks Library and that should be added to the list.
With regard to Action Item A, Mr. McManus moved to send the letter as drafted to Mr. Campbell. Mr. Marsland seconded the motion and the motion carried by a unanimous vote.
C. Perpetual Calendar / Budget Warrant Timeline
Chairman Wilkins asked Mr. Merriam to incorporate his goals and objectives as well as his performance review into the perpetual calendar. He noted that this should be a working document and he asked that Mr. Cole’s goals and objectives be brought back.
Chairman Wilkins also pointed out to Mr. Merriam that he needs to think about if we are going to have a Special Town Meeting. He added that Mr. Merriam’s priority for the next month is to come up with the 5 year financial plan which will help decide if a Special Town Meeting is necessary.
ADJOURNMENT
Mr. McManus moved to adjourn at 8:25 p.m. Mr. Marsland seconded the motion and the motion carried by a unanimous vote.
Respectfully submitted,
Ann Steidel
Recording Secretary
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