Selectmen S Meeting s2
Selectmen’s Meeting
October 15, 2007
SELECTMEN’S MEETING
OCTOBER 15, 2007
Chairwoman Brunelle called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM.
Selectman Perkins, Selectman Bond, and Selectman Rogers were present.
Selectman Spataro was absent.
Chairwoman Brunelle began the meeting by introducing Steve Lombard, who will be the new Town Manager.
Chairwoman Brunelle thanked all department heads and staff for getting through the long, stressful, summer without a Town Manager.
SELECTMEN’S MINUTES
There were no Minutes to approve tonight.
HEARINGS, MEETINGS & LICENSES
Meeting with Highway Superintendent – RE: Recycling
Don Boucher, Highway Superintendent, was present. He told the Board he was requesting to add paper items to the curbside recycling collection. The Board was given a list of the proposed items. Mr. Boucher is asking that approval of the additional items be effective as of November 5th.
Upon motion by Selectman Bond and seconded by Selectman Perkins, the Board
VOTED: To approve the request of Don Boucher to add items to the curbside recycling collection as listed in a memo to the Board of Selectmen dated October 11, 2007, commencing November 5, 2007.
Unanimous Vote.
Mr. Boucher said the list will be updated on the Town’s website.
Meeting with Police Chief – RE: Update
Gary Russell was present to update the Board on the Fire Department.
Chairwoman Brunelle said the Board had requested to meet with Chief Russell to discuss the recent promotion for an additional Day Captain.
Chief Russell explained that, because of the resignation of the Deputy Chief, an additional Day Officer was needed. This would save $12,000/year. The promotion was done per contract and the appointee was Jim Wiksten, who is also a friend of the Chief’s.
Chief Russell explained that Captain Wiksten had taken all the required tests. The position was offered to 7 senior people who all refused.
Chief Russell told the Board that Captain George Andrade had originally accepted the position and then changed his mind. As a result, the Chief went back to the original list and started over. The senior Lieutenant, Carl Reed, Jr., did not want an administrative position and refused.
Chief Russell told the Board that he has been Fire Chief for 3 ½ months and the department is “just starting to get its head above water”. He said some issues are being dealt with. Two (2) fire engines are out of service. The ladder truck did not pass the certification test. Repairs will cost approximately $150,000. The company who has prepared the report does not want to do the repairs.
Selectman Rogers noted that $130,000 was spent on repairs for the truck three (3) years ago.
Chief Russell said issues had been brought up immediately. The biggest issue is the twisting of the ladder when it is extended. The pistons are leaking, cables are rubbing against it, and there are cracks in the frame.
Chief Russell said there is also a problem with the heating system requiring about $5000 in repairs.
Selectman Bond asked what $130,000 in repairs “got” for the ladder truck.
Chief Russell said he didn’t know.
Selectman Bond asked if the invoice for the repairs was available.
Chief Russell said he has found some, but can’t find certification from the company that did the refurbishing and stress test. The company has since changed names. He said issues with the truck were brought to attention immediately. A new truck will cost between $500,000 and $750,000.
Chairwoman Brunelle asked what year the truck is.
Chief Russell said he thought it was in the mid-90s. He said the truck was a rare truck to begin with, and it has been difficult to get parts. He will meet with the company to have a stress done. The cost will be $900.
Selectman Bond asked if there was a market to buy used ladder trucks.
Chief Russell said he didn’t know. He said he has been looking into Grant money.
Chairwoman Brunelle asked if there was any money left in the building account to pay for the HVAC system repairs.
Chief Russell said there is $37,000 in the account, but didn’t know how to access it. He said there are also windows leaking on some doors and water coming from upstairs.
Chairwoman Brunelle suggested a meeting with the Building Committee.
Chief Russell said the Board might want to start thinking about purchasing a new ladder truck.
Selectman Bond asked how the Executive Committee at the Fire Department is working.
Chief Russell said “excellent”. He said they meet once/month where lieutenants and captains give input.
Selectman Bond asked if the Chief was requesting any further changes in operations.
Chief Russell said he was requesting t o fill a third position. He noted that the overtime budget was cut from $200,000 to $100,000. Hiring the position will help eliminate some of the overtime.
Chief Russell also expressed concern with reimbursement from the Town Meeting in July being denied.
Chairwoman Brunelle said she was not aware of this and would look into it.
Chief Russell noted there was an agreement with the previous Chief. The amount is about $2,000.
Chairwoman Brunelle said the request could be put under the supplemental budget article if needed.
Selectman Rogers asked if the Chief would provide a report on the ladder truck to the Board.
Chief Russell said he hoped to have all information soon. He will also provide a list of needed repairs at the Station.
Jane Lopes, a member of the Building Committee, said there is bonding authorization money left. She said she believed the warranties have probably run out.
Upon motion by Selectman Perkins and seconded by Selectman Rogers, the Board
VOTED: To ask the Chief to meet with the Building Committee as soon as possible to address the issues.
Unanimous Vote.
Chief Russell asked about authorization to hire a third firefighter. He said interviews are being conducted now. He explained that Tracy White retired, the Deputy resigned, and there were two (2) retirements filled.
Selectman Rogers suggested the FinCom be asked for a recommendation.
Chief Russell said the money is within the budget.
Selectman Rogers said the FinCom should have an understanding as part of the process.
Chief Russell said it is not normal procedure to go to the FinCom to hire replacement personnel.
Selectman Rogers said the Board has received nothing in writing regarding tonight’s request.
Chief Russell asked if Selectman Rogers doubted his word.
Selectman Rogers said a process is needed and the FinCom should be notified as a courtesy.
Chairwoman Brunelle suggested the Chief make sure there are sufficient funds in the budget to cover the request.
Upon motion by Selectman Perkins and seconded by Selectman Bond, the Board
VOTED: To authorize the Fire Chief to hire a third firefighter, and to provide a copy of the Board’s motion and request to the FinCom for their information to comment if they’d like.
VOTE 3 – 0 – 1 (Chairwoman Brunelle abstained)
Jane Lopes asked if the Board would take action on reappointing the Chief at tonight’s meeting.
Chief Russell explained that his appointment had been until tonight’s meeting at which time he would report back to the Board.
Chairwoman Brunelle said she wanted a written report and recommendation.
Chief Russell said the letter he received from the Board would terminate him as Chief as of this meeting.
Upon motion by Selectman Perkins and seconded by Selectman Bond, the Board
VOTED: To reappoint Gary Russell as the Fire Chief for a period of 90 days.
Unanimous Vote.
Chief Russell said he would provide a written report for the Board within the next week. He said he would come back if the Board wanted him to explain it.
Discussion – Charter Commission
Chairwoman Brunelle noted that the Board had discussed various possibilities for a Charter Commission, including an elected Commission.
Selectman Perkins said he didn’t see the need to do that. He said the Charter doesn’t need major changes.
Selectman Rogers said he had no opinion, but suggested it be delayed for a couple months to allow the Board to finish other business.
Selectman Bond said he liked the idea of an elected Commission. He said there are a number of pressing issues that will need to be dealt with, including what form of government will suit the Town best with a resort coming in. An election would attract new people to the process.
Chairwoman Brunelle said the discussion for the Charter Commission is in regards to the DOR Report. She said she didn’t mind putting the item off for a while.
Selectman Bond said the casino has more time sensitive issues and suggested doing something in regards to that.
Selectman Rogers suggested waiting until after Town Meeting.
Upon motion by Selectman Bond and seconded by Selectman Rogers, the Board
VOTED: To schedule further discussion for November 19th.
Unanimous Vote.
Selectman Rogers said he would provide a summary regarding the Charter on the Town’s Website.
Hearing – Vicious Dog Complaint – Bavin – 371 Wareham Street
Chairwoman Brunelle explained that this request had been withdrawn. The hearing was going to be heard regarding the relocation of a potentially vicious dog to Middleboro from another community. The Animal Control Officer had spoke to the individual who said the dog would not be relocated to Middleboro.
Upon motion by Selectman Bond and seconded by Selectman Perkins, the Board
VOTED: To send a copy of the information to Town Counsel asking what right another community has to put a vicious dog in Middleboro, or what obligation there is for giving notice for the community to respond.
Unanimous Vote.
NEW BUSINESS
Discussion – Casino Task Force
Selectman Perkins said he requested this item on tonight’s agenda in reference to Middleboro being shunned from this group, which is made up of 17 towns and a representative from SRPEDD. Ruth Geoffroy was sent as the Town’s representative and was not allowed to speak. Prior to the public discussion, Chairwoman Yeatts requested a police officer be present for the discussion. He said he would like to see the Board send a strong letter requesting representation on this group.
Selectman Rogers suggested trying a different tact. He said he had contacted the Chairwoman of that Committee and asked to be placed on the agenda of the next meeting. The Committee is comprised of Selectmen from other communities. He reminded the Board that he and Selectman Bond had met on the night of the formation and Selectman Bond had spoke about the importance to communicate and be part of the regional group. He asked that the Board appoint him to meet with the group and to attend all meetings, to come back to meet with the Advisory Committee.
Selectman Bond said he had talked to Lakeville Selectman Maksy today. He noted that Lakeville hasn’t voted on their position. He noted a letter from Kingston whose Board is against the Casino, but supports Middleboro being include in the Task Force.
Selectman Bond suggested Ruth Geoffroy attend with Selectman Rogers to hear what is being said. He said she has a good grasp on what’s going on with the infrastructure.
Selectman Perkins said he had no problem with Ms. Geoffroy attending to listen, but should speak with Selectman Rogers’s authority.
Chairwoman Brunelle noted that this Board offered several times to share information.
Upon motion by Selectman Perkins and seconded by Selectman Bond, the Board
VOTED: To appoint Selectman Rogers as the Board’s representative to the Casino Task Force, with Ruth Geoffroy attended as a resource as needed.
Unanimous Vote.
Appointments to Casino Advisory Committee
Selectman Bond reviewed the applicants for this Committee who were on the previous committee. They included: Nancy Ockers, David Thomas, Eric Cederholm, Regina Moriarty, Colleen Lieb, Barbara Frappier, and Brian Giovanoni.
Selectman Bond suggested the 7 applicants be appointed and review applications to fill the additional 4 openings.
Upon motion by Selectman Bond and seconded by Selectman Perkins, the Board
VOTED: To appoint Nancy Ockers, David Thomas, Eric Cederholm, Regina Moriarty, Colleen Lieb, Barbara Frappier, and Brian Giovanoni as the Casino Advisory Committee, advertising 4 openings until October 24th, at which time a recommendation for appointment will be made to the Board by the Committee.
Unanimous Vote.
Brian Giovanoni noted that his Committee will meet on October 24th. The Board will meet with the Committee on October 29th.
Discussion ensued on the Committee’s website.
Mr. Giovanoni said it will be an agenda item for his Committee.
Chairwoman Brunelle said the information should be on the Town’s website.
Selectman Rogers told the Board that he had drafted something regarding the charge of the Committee. He suggested discussing it further on the 29th. He noted that $250,000 is available for use for issues that have to be evaluated.
Request to Place Stop Sign on Maple Road – Police Chief
Chief Russell explained that this has been the site of several accidents. There was no sign previously placed there.
Upon motion by Selectman Perkins and seconded by Selectman Bond, the Board
VOTED: To approve the request of the Police Chief to place a stop sign at the end of Maple Road.
Unanimous Vote.
Selectman Rogers asked that the Chief also look into placing a sign at the corner of Purchade and Plymouth Street.
Discussion – Set Date for Water Rate Review
Selectman Rogers said he had met with Dick Tinkham and Tighe & Bond regarding existing and needed projects. He created a spreadsheet that he presented to the Board. He said there is a meeting scheduled with Wes Gardner for Thursday morning. This will discuss what should be in the report for the water rates as to what would fund capital projects over the next 3 – 5 years.