January 11, 2010
Present were James C. Lehan, Robert J. Garrity, James M. Tomaszewski, and Jack Hathaway, Town Administrator.
Jim Lehan called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. Jack Hathaway read the agenda contents.
TAX RATE HEARING
Present was John Neas, Chief Assessor.
Jim Lehan opened the hearing and read the hearing notice. Jim Tomaszewski moved to open the hearing. Rob Garrity seconded, and it was so voted.
John Neas spoke on behalf of the Board of Assessors. He had a Classification PowerPoint that he displayed and spoke to.
Proposed tax rate is $14.08. John explained the split tax rate.
Jim Tomaszewski moved to keep the tax rate at 100%. Rob Garrity seconded, and it was so voted.
Jim Tomaszewski moved to close the hearing. Rob Garrity seconded, and it was so voted.
ROBIN GLASSER, LIBRARY DIRECTOR
Robin Glasser was present to discuss a community reading program. She said she would like the town to participate in the program and all be on the same page – Norfolk Reads Together. The kickoff program was today. Monies come from a grant that will directly affect the community. Robin said she had to choose a book and was impressed by Nathaniel Philbrick, who is a Massachusetts author. She chose In the Heart of the Sea. Robin said it is the story that Moby Dick was based on.
Robin presented a book to the Board members, Jack Hathaway and Marian Harrington and asked that we read the book. The community is encouraged to do the same.
TOWN MEETING PREP
Present was Pat Snead, Vice Chairman of the Advisory Board.
Jack reviewed the budget, to discuss the one article for tomorrow night’s town meeting.
The Board discussed reductions in the budget and how it will be handled at town meeting.
RICHARD ROBBAT, KP SUPERINTENDENT
Supt. Robbat wanted to give the Board an update on where KP is.
He said on January 30th, they will hold a public hearing on the budget. It will be at 10 a.m. in the high school Library. On February 1st, he will make his recommendation on his budget. Feb 8th the school committee will recommend the budget.
Supt. Robbat said he will present a level services budget. This will inform you of the needs of the school district. Level services are contractual obligations. A $2.8 million reduction is what they are looking at. 34.2% assessment for Norfolk based on enrollment.
NEW BUSINESS
Jack told the Board that he received an email from Chief Bushnell that Officer Mark Vendetti and Sgt. Kevin Roake assisted in a birth over the weekend at the Meda residence on Leland Road. The Board recognized this achievement and will send commendation letters.
Jack said we received a request from Habitat for Humanity for a waiver of water connection fees. Jack said he wants to talk to Butch Vito before the Selectmen votes. He suggested they ask the Affordable Housing Trust to pay the fee for affordability. Jim will talk to the committee tomorrow at their meeting.
Rob Garrity moved to open the warrant for the FY10 annual town meeting. Jim Tomaszewski seconded, and it was so voted.
Jack reported that Berry Insurance will hold our liability rates for another year. He said not so good news for health insurance.
Rob Garrity asked that we re-open the Everett Street situation at some point now that the events are over.
At 9:35 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 January 11, 2010.
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James M. Tomaszewski, Clerk
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