March 23, 2009
Present was James C. Lehan, Robert J. Garrity and Jack Hathaway, Town Administrator. Ramesh H. Advani was not present.
Jim Lehan called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. Jack Hathaway read the agenda contents.
WARRANT DISCUSSION
Present was Pat Snead of the Advisory Board.
Rob Garrity moved to open the warrant for reordering and addition of articles. Jim Lehan seconded, and it was so voted.
The Board discussed the proposed tree bylaw article and Town Counsel’s comments. Jim said this should take care of new construction and not existing construction, i.e., renovations, etc. Jim suggested wording, and asked Jack to have Town Counsel review it.
Rob Garrity moved to add the proposed tree bylaw to the warrant. Jim Lehan seconded, and it was so voted.
The Board discussed Article 52 regarding the mitigation measures. Jim told Jack to share George’s concern with Planning Board. They may want to tweak it, reword it, whatever. The way it is written will not work.
Pat Snead said that regarding this article, the Planning Board told the Advisory Board that all they were doing was putting a practice into writing. They are already doing this, but don’t have it in writing. The BOS agree this is not legal.
Rob Garrity moved to close the warrant for spring town meeting. Jim Lehan seconded, and it was so voted.
The Selectmen discussed the King Philip budget with Superintendent Robbat. He said level funded for the schools is $473,030. 8.75% increase. This is a huge change for us. It is a $130,000 reduction for us. Jim said that level services was $842,000.
Rob said we need to do as much as we can. $473,000 is a much better number, although still high. Rob supports this, but the KP teachers need to get on board with this. Jim doesn’t support anything, but he would like to see more. Jim doesn’t think Wrentham will go anything above level funded. Jim will support nothing less than level funded too.
Jim noted that Gov. Patrick has $168 million of school stimulus funds. Norfolk’s share is zero. We are over the foundation budget, and have been for several years. KP did not receive any, either. Wrentham and Plainville received small amounts. All towns and KP did receive funds for special education.
TOWN ADMINISTRATOR REPORT
ACTION ITEMS
Rob Garrity moved to allow Norfolk Recreation to use Town Hill on Thursdays from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. for the summer concerts as listed. Jim Lehan seconded, and it was so voted.
Rob Garrity moved to increase the Transfer Station hours by adding Friday 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Jim Lehan seconded, and it was so voted.
OLD BUSINESS
Jack said that he talked with the Fire Department. They would extend the contract out a year.
Jim said that if all the unions agree to a wage freeze, the Town has agreed to pick up the 7% increase in the health insurance. They felt it was a fair trade.
Jack said that we met with the Police union. They have an open contract and are focusing on years 2 and 3. Jack met with the Town Hall clerical union and discussed the revenues and budget. They are meeting to have a discussion.
Jim and Jack met with the DPW union. They need to get back to them by the end of the month.
NEW BUSINESS
Jack is going to Boston tomorrow with Supt. Leclerc and Beth Gilbert to meet with the MSBA to select an architect for the school building project.
Jim talked about the budget and the next steps.
Rob gave a quick update on the progress of the Energy Committee.
Jim congratulated the Norfolk Community League for their event this weekend. They raised over $25,000.
At 8:20 p.m., Rob Garrity moved to go into executive session for litigation. Jim Lehan seconded, and it was a roll call vote: Rob Garrity, aye; and Jim Lehan, aye.
The Board will not return to open session except to adjourn the meeting.
At 8:43 p.m., 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 March 23, 2009.
James C. Lehan, Clerk
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