October 19, 2009
Present was James C. Lehan, Robert J. Garrity and James M. Tomaszewski and Jack Hathaway, Town Administrator.
Jim Lehan opened the meeting at 7 p.m. Jack Hathaway read the agenda.
TOWN ADMINISTRATOR REPORT
ACTION ITEMS
Rob Garrity moved to approve a one-day entertainment license at Guido’s Restaurant, 218 Dedham Street for a live band from 10 p.m. to midnight on Saturday, October 31, 2009 for a Halloween Party. Jim Tomaszewski seconded, and it was so voted.
Jim Tomaszewski moved to approve the request of ACT NOW (communication committee for the new school) to hand out information about funding for the new school building at the Transfer Station on three consecutive Saturdays, 10/24, 10/31 and 11/7 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Rob Garrity seconded, and it was so voted.
FALL TOWN MEETING WARRANT
The Board reviewed the three override articles and considered where to place them at town meeting. Jim Tomaszewski suggested Public Safety Building, School and then Roads. Rob agreed and stated that some people come only for their article and then leave, and that’s disheartening. If the Public Safety was on first, then the School people would have to be there to vote on it. Jim Lehan felt that the School should go on first. After much discussion, it was agreed to do School, Public Safety and then Roads.
The Board numbered the warrant.
OLD BUSINESS UPDATE
Jack gave the Board the list of unaccepted streets. Some roads have never been accepted for various reasons, and we need to get the Planning Board to accept these streets. Jack said even though some are Planning Board ready, there are still legal issues such as a resident may own into the street, etc. We will discuss this with the Planning Board.
Jack said that free cash is certified. The total is $67,000.05. He said he went to the Advisory Board with Julie Siewko and discussed the budget. Through the first quarter, we are right on target. Jim Lehan said we are concerned about cuts by the State. There is a revenue shortfall and the Governor will be revising the budget and we need to be concerned. We could get a 3% cut.
Regarding the two building projects, Jim Lehan mentioned that costs are down right now and we would be getting about 75 cents on a dollar. We could save about 20% of the costs which is huge.
ACTION ITEM
Rob Garrity moved that the abatement ceiling be $750 up from the $500 currently. Jim Tomaszewski seconded, and it was so voted.
The Board agreed that the Selectmen need to establish a policy on this. Jack said right now it’s been managed by the Chief Assessor and Exec. Director of the Council on Aging.
ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES
Jim Tomaszewski moved to accept the minutes of August 17, 2009. Rob Garrity seconded, and it was so voted.
Jim Tomaszewski moved to accept the minutes of August 31, 2009, regular and executive session. Rob Garrity seconded, and it was so voted.
Jim Tomaszewski moved to accept the minutes of September 15, 2009, regular and executive session. Rob Garrity seconded, and it was so voted.
Jim Tomaszewski moved to accept the minutes of September 28, 2009. Rob Garrity seconded, and it was so voted.
Jack mentioned the fire today at Erin and Kevin Hughes home on Lawrence Street. Some of the house was damaged and they are unable to live in it. Jack mentioned that they have been very active in the town.
At 8 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 October 19, 2009.
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James M. Tomaszewski, Clerk
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