February 23, 2009
Present was Ramesh H. Advani, James C. Lehan, Robert J. Garrity and Jack Hathaway, Town Administrator.
Ramesh opened the meeting at 7 p.m. Jack Hathaway read the agenda contents.
TAX CERTIFICATION HEARING – Continued
Present was John Neas, Chief Assessor.
Ramesh read the hearing notice, and noted this hearing was continued from February 9, 2009.
Jack said this hearing will be continued one more time as we don’t have the state approval as yet.
John handed data for the tax rate and split rate.
Jim Lehan moved to reserve a level rate; a single rate. Rob Garrity seconded, and it was so voted.
Jack said the DOR is coming in Wednesday. He suggested we keep the hearing open and the Board may have to reaffirm the vote at the next meeting.
Ramesh noted that the single tax rate will be $13.85. An average tax bill will increase 3.1%.
Jim Lehan moved to continue the hearing to Monday, March 9, 2009 at 7 p.m. Rob Garrity seconded, and it was so voted.
BUDGET DISCUSSION
Present was Norfolk School Supt. Donnie LeClerc, Dick Robbat, KP Supt., Paul Shafer, KP Business Manager, Norfolk School Committee members Beth Gilbert and Marie Zullo, Wendy Robeson, KP School Committee and Advisory Board members Arlie Sterling, Patrick Snead and Jim Tomaszewski.
Jack read the budget handout that he had presented to everyone present.
Jack stated that we are down $29,000.
Jack read four different budget options; different scenarios.
There was extensive discussion about the options, revenues, numbers and what could happen.
The Board discussed the formula for KP and how it has changed from the original formula years ago. It puts Norfolk at an unfair advantage over the other towns, and Supt. Robbat assured us he will look into it and try to get an answer by our March 9th meeting.
ACTION ITEMS
Rob Garrity moved to allow Kevin O’Sullivan of Wellfleet Drive permission to solicit at the Transfer Station on Saturdays, March 7th and 14th from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. to promote the Norfolk Energy Awareness Day Fair at the Library on March 14th. Jim Lehan seconded, and it was so voted.
Rob Garrity moved to appoint Carol Greene to the Board of Registrars, term to expire June 30, 2011. Jim Lehan seconded, and it was so voted.
BI-WEEKLY CALENDAR
Jack read the calendar.
OLD BUSINESS
Jack spoke with Wrentham officials and our public safety chiefs regarding Pine Street. They tried to figure out jurisdiction regarding the intersection.
Jack said the School Building Committee will meet and go into Boston to meet with the MSBA to select an architect.
The Public Safety Building Committee is revising the footprint of the building. Bob went through the different departments and ran into a snag with Conservation Commission regarding a pond that existed 44 years ago and doesn’t exist now.
Projects on the shovel ready list are still on the list.
Jack asked the Board if they want to put in the CPC article? 1.5%
NEW BUSINESS
Rob talked about the new Energy Committee. Members from Wrentham, Plainville and Medfield attended the first meeting and will be working with us.
Rob Garrity moved to apply to the EPA for the Community Green Challenge. Jim Lehan seconded, and it was so voted.
Jack mentioned budgets and said we know what our revenues are going to be. Build budgets now for 0 and -5. Be ready to review impact statements.
Jim said that on March 5th, we should have a consensus on how to use the $425,000. We need to know how we are going to use it up front. We should forward a recommendation to them.
We should put $25,000 back to Enterprise Fund. Earmark $200,000 for capital and $200,000 to general fund. Ramesh suggests we work up $200,000 for the roads program. Rob would like to see it all go to capital since it is non-recurring monies.
$25,000 – Enterprise Fund $200,000 capital
Arlie suggested we put it in the vehicle stabilization fund. Rob would be more comfortable with the regular stabilization fund. Jim said he thinks that a couple hundred thousand would be good. We need to wait to see where the wage freeze goes.
Jack spoke with GATRA . Talked about bus service. Discussed Dial-a-Ride. We need to shift the usage from our bus to the GATRA bus. Potential that GATRA would buy the bus from us.
Jack asked the Board if they still have an interest in the Norfolk County Selectmen’s Association as they haven’t been attending and the yearly dues are to be renewed. The Board is not interested in being members.
Jack discussed police details at events in town and said this is becoming a budget issue for the Chief. He suggested the Board draft a policy that organizations have to assume the cost of a detail. The Board took it under advisement.
At 10:22 p.m., being no further business, Rob Garrity moved to adjourn the meeting. Jim Lehan seconded, and it was so voted.
This is a true and accurate report of the Selectmen’s Meeting of February 23, 2009.
James C. Lehan, Clerk
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