August 3, 2009
Present was James C. Lehan, Robert J. Garrity, James M. Tomaszewski, and Jack Hathaway, Town Administrator.
Jim Lehan opened the meeting at 4:00 p.m. Jack Hathaway read the agenda contents.
George Hall, Town Counsel was present to give the Board an update on legal matters.
George said that with respect to the Kunde matter, he has not had time to look at that yet as it is a new issue. He will work on it this week.
With respect to the Route 115 issue, George Hall said he and Butch have had a lot of trouble working with State officials. He said the State would advise them to take a certain direction, and when it was done would insist that wasn’t what they wanted. We always proceeded along the lines we said we would. He said Mass Highway would listen to us and then do something totally different. George said it has been frustrating and extremely difficult for him. It is finally done.
The Board discussed the King Philip Assessment issue. George Hall said that since he represents Wrentham and Norfolk, he could have a conflict so he did not want to elaborate on this subject just yet. Norfolk and Plainville are down; Wrentham is up. Wrentham is complaining. Jim Tomaszewski asked why it got changed, and why at such a late date? George said that would be the Department of Education. The Board unanimously agreed not to do anything that would hurt King Philip.
George informed the Board that issues he has been working on is CPC acquisitions, zoning per lease – water tank for Verizon, labor employment issues, and assisted Bob Bullock with the septic system in the Public Safety building.
Rob Garrity said the Energy Committee will need zoning assistance.
At 4:29 p.m., Rob Garrity moved to go into executive session for a litigation review. Jim Tomaszewski seconded, and it was a roll call vote: Rob Garrity, aye; Jim Lehan, aye; and Jim Tomaszewski, aye. The Board will return to open session.
At 5 p.m., the Board returned to open session.
Cheryl Kelley, Treasurer-Collector and Gail Bernardo, Town Clerk was present.
Cheryl presented the Board with bonds for $250,000 for the school feasibility renewal. Successful bidder was Eastern Bank at 3.243927%.
Jack Hathaway asked the Board to award the $3,476,931 Town of Norfolk Massachusetts General Obligation Municipal Purpose Loan of 2009 Bonds dated August 15, 2009 and maturing August 15, 2010 to 2029 to Eastern Bank Capital Markets at a true interest cost of 3.2343927% as set forth in a document prepared by Edwards Angell Palmer & Dodge LLP, Bond Counsel to the Town to be inserted into the minutes of this meeting (see attached). This was so moved by Jim Tomaszewski. Rob Garrity seconded, and it was so voted.
Jack gave an update on the school project meeting. Jim Lehan and Jim Tomaszewski attended. The Project Manager was present. Costs of the project were cut by the State. The State approved a plan for a new school. We are on the list, and can go forward for Fall town meeting. Strategy for the town meeting will be critical.
ACTION ITEMS
Jim Tomaszewski moved to approve the Order of Modification of the Street Layout for Pond Street as submitted by Remo Vito, DPW Director. Rob Garrity seconded, and it was so voted.
Jack reviewed the Procedures for Street Acceptances with the Board to be approved as a policy. Rob Garrity requested that the clause that the street naming is under the Board of Selectmen be inserted into this Procedure. It will be reviewed and brought back before the Board for approval.
Jack asked the Board to vote to accept as policy the Employment of Close Relatives Policy. The Board had a lengthy discussion, and added that this would affect all employees hired after August 3, 2009.
Rob Garrity moved to accept as policy the Employment of Close Relatives Policy with the addition of wording that this policy affects all employees hired after August 3, 2009. Jim Tomaszewski seconded, and it was so voted.
Jim Tomaszewski moved to open the Fall Town Meeting warrant, and approved the town meeting schedule. Rob Garrity seconded, and it was so voted.
Jim Lehan discussed a letter from the Conservation Commission regarding open space and a trail system that Intoccia Development Corp. is required to donate to the Town as part of the Christina Estates subdivision. Jack said that as a homeowner in that area, he said the trails were in good shape but over the years have deteriorated from building going on and just growth and no one taking care of them. One of the Board members said that he understood one of the abutters encroached on the open space that was near his property and used it for his own personal benefit. Jack said yes. Jim Tomaszewski said that he felt the resident using the open space for his own personal gain is wrong and he should be made to put it back. Jim Lehan, as liaison, said he will contact Dan Crafton and walk the property with him and
bring this back at the next meeting.
GOALS
Jim Lehan and Rob will work on Jack’s goals and forward them to Marian.
Board goals will be created by each member submitting 4 or 5 fiscal goals. They will eliminate operational goals and do strategic. Forward to Marian as well.
NEEF BARBECUE
NEEF requested permission for a barbecue on Town Hill from 5:30 – 7 p.m. on August 24th (rain date 8/25) to welcome kids back to school. Rob Garrity moved to allow the back to school barbecue on Town Hill on August 24 (25). Jim Tomaszewski seconded, and it was so voted.
TOWN ADMINISTRATOR REPORT
Jack told the Board that he has received 5 requests for Project Manager RFS’ for the public safety building so far. They are advancing the process for the architect for the public safety building.
Jack told the Board that they are upgrading the phone system in Town buildings. We will go live Thursday if all goes well.
Jack said that he has two unemployment cases and a grievance on September 3rd for personnel issues.
Jack needs to wrap up the Police contract, and amend contracts to reflect the wage freeze.
At 6:15 p.m., being no further business, Rob Garrity moved to adjourn the meeting. Jim Tomaszewski seconded, and it was so voted.
This is a true and accurate report of the Selectmen’s Meeting of August 3, 2009.
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James M. Tomaszewski, Clerk
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