December 1, 2008
Present was Ramesh H. Advani, James C. Lehan, Robert J. Garrity, and Jack Hathaway, Town Administrator.
Ramesh opened the meeting at 7:00 p.m. and read the agenda.
Present at the meeting were members of Boy Scout Troop 80 and their Scoutmasters.
PUBLIC SAFETY BUILDING COMMITTEE INTERVIEWS
David Capone, 82 Boardman Street. David is interested in the Public Safety Committee. He said he has spent a lot of time in construction. His company did the radio communications on jobs. He was involved in the Pond Street facility, Senior Center and the H. Olive Day School addition. David has worked in 25 public buildings. He said we definitely need a public safety building – our current facility is an embarrassment.
Greg Mirliss, 3 Longmeadow Road.
Greg has an engineering background. His degree is in civil engineering. He has worked on state, federal, public and international projects. He has worked on many projects and had to rectify issues. He said he hasn’t seen a project from start to finish. He wants to see the project efficient and not go over budget. Greg said he is available and can juggle his schedule.
ACTION ITEMS
Norfolk Boy Scouts Troop 80 request permission to conduct a fundraiser at the Transfer Station on Saturdays, December 6, 13 and 07th.
Thomas McCarty, a Boy Scout, read a letter to the Selectmen about their fundraiser.
Jim Lehan moved to approve the fundraiser at the Transfer Station on Saturdays, December 6, 13 and 20th. Rob Garrity seconded, and it was so voted.
Jim said he is impressed with the work by Norfolk Boy Scouts, and thanked them all. Rob and Ramesh agreed and complimented them on their good work.
OLD BUSINESS
Rob discussed the Energy Committee and their makeup. Rob said this is driven by the Green Energy Act.
Jim moved to appoint Rob Garrity as representative to that Committee. Ramesh Advani seconded, and it was so voted.
Jim discussed the water issue. He said that at our last administrative meeting, we took a vote We voted to waive all water department fees going forward and retroactive in FY09 for those experiencing it and may experience it in FY08.
Jim questioned the survey being sent to water users. Jack said the survey is being considered and he talked to Butch today about doing it online or by mail. Jack said it would cost between $1,000 and $1,500. Jack said they discussed mailing it with the water bills in April, but that is months out. Jim said to send a postcard telling people the survey is online, or available at town hall. Ramesh disagreed, and said that they will throw the card away. Ramesh agreed with putting it in the bills, but that is a ways out. Rob said costs could go through the Enterprise Fund. Jack said that he is still looking at it. Jim said it should be done sooner than later. Jack said that he would put something on top of the survey form that indicates that although it was mailed, you can reply
online. They suggested using the reverse 911 calling as well.
Jim responded to writings on NorfolkNet about health issues with the water problem, and said we are monitoring this very closely and followed state guidelines, and the residents do not have to be concerned about health of the community.
Jim said the other rumor floating around is that the settlement that we got was monies related to the water issue. Jim said this settlement was from a class action suit that we were part of with many towns that went years back, and has nothing to do with this water issue.
BI-WEEKLY CALENDAR
Jack read the bi-weekly calendar.
NEW BUSINESS
Jack reported that we did receive the 43D grant. He and Bob Bullock went into Boston and presented on behalf of the town. This grant was put together by the EDC. We got $60,000. Bob will be in charge of putting this together. Some of the money is for software that will need to be changed. Bill Fleming at Caritas is aware and will meet with the EDC and Jack. Ramesh would like to be present.
Jack said that regarding Everett Street, Butch has met with his counterpart in Walpole and they are discussing putting up the truck exclusions, etc. Butch is also discussing the stop signs to be installed.
BOY SCOUTS
Ramesh asked the Boy Scouts if they had any questions for the Board.
Craig Iacovella. What is the main function of these meetings? Jim said they vary from meeting to meeting. The biggest issue for the Board is financial considerations. We spend a lot of time on this. A lot of it is done in the office during the week, so you don’t see it at a meeting. Jim said we are the executive branch of the town, and voters instruct us what to do.
Thomas McCarty. Will Stop & Shop ever go in? Ramesh said no, he doesn’t think it will ever go in. Jim said it is privately owned property. They said that they have had it for over 8 years, and all indications lead that they will not ever build. Rob echoed that, saying he doesn’t think it will ever be built.
Shawn Lavin. Freeman Centennial being built, added, renovated?? Jack said that any of the above could happen. Jack said he is a member of the School Building Committee and they are looking at all options.
Craig Iacovella asked about leaving the property barren. Rob said that we have a bylaw that will prevent property from being left like it is on the Stop & Shop property. We have worked to ensure that property will be loamed and seeded if not worked.
At 8:13 p.m., being no further business, Ramesh Advani moved to adjourn the meeting. Rob Garrity seconded, and it was so voted.
This is a true and accurate report of the Selectmen’s Meeting of December 1, 2008.
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James C. Lehan, Clerk
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