March 8, 2010
Present was James C. Lehan, Robert J. Garrity, James M. Tomaszewski and Jack Hathaway, Town Administrator.
Jim Lehan called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. Jack read the agenda contents.
WATER RATE HEARING
Present was Remo Vito, DPW Director and Bob McGhee, DPW Superintendent.
Jim Lehan read the public hearing notice. Rob Garrity moved to open the public hearing. Jim Tomaszewski seconded, and it was so voted.
Butch reviewed the water budget with the Board. The goal is to bring in a Superintendent and phase out the consultants.
The Board wants to see weaning the consultants and said it isn’t showing a savings until FY12. They are concerned about this. There was much discussion.
The Board reviewed the budget and the rates with handouts from Butch.
Charles Jones, a resident in attendance said he would like to pay Walpole and not Norfolk for his water. Some of his property is in Walpole and some is in Norfolk. Walpole furnishes the water. Butch said Walpole doesn’t have the power to lien, so they would rather bill Walpole and we add on an administrative fee. Mr. Jones has half of an acre in Walpole and they consider him a resident.
Jim said the policy has to be consistent with all residents and towns. Butch will review this with Walpole, because Daisy Drive residents have Walpole water, too.
Butch said rates that need to go up are anything to do with labor costs and insurance, etc. Any cost that increases. Butch said application fees, residential inspection, non-residential inspection, fire services, pressure testing, etc. He said fees haven’t been increased since 2004. Butch said our fees are lower than other towns. Jim T. would like a survey done on the $1650 and the $800 fees to see how they compare with other towns.
Rob Garrity moved to continue the water rate public hearing to Monday, March 22, 2010 at 7 p.m. Jim Tomaszewski seconded, and it was so voted.
The Board discussed the Solid Waste budget.
Butch said he will not hire someone to replace Sonny (foreman of the Transfer Station), who retired. There is a $35,000 reduction on this side. The new manager has taken over and they are going to try working with part timers instead of full time. Bob McGhee said he would like two compactors to crush plastics and cardboard which will reduce tonnage from taking one ton per trip to an increase of 6 tons per trip.
Bob felt we should get two compactors this year, and we would definitely save money. Compactors are being given away, and there are probably grants out there.
They discussed Fridays not being a productive day for landfill personnel. The Board discussed moving to town bags instead of bag stickers. It would be easier to spot a certain colored bag than look for the sticker.
Jim Tomaszewski moved to approve the solid waste budget. Rob Garrity seconded, and it was so voted.
WARRANT
The Board reviewed the draft warrant. The Board supports wage increases.
The Board agreed we cannot fund a Capital Budget, unless prison mitigation comes back.
ACTION ITEMS
Jim Tomaszewski moved to approve a request from the Historical Commission to use the Gazebo and Town Hill for their History on the Hill programs on Wednesdays, April 28, June 23 and August 25, 2010 at 7 p.m. (Rain dates will be in Room 214, Town Hall). Jim Lehan seconded, and it was so voted.
Jim Tomaszewski moved to approve a request from Norfolk Garden Club to use the Gazebo and Town Hill for their perennial plant sale on Saturday, May 22nd from 9 a.m. to noon. Jim Lehan seconded, and it was so voted.
Rob Garrity moved to approve the annual Easter Sunrise Service for the Federated Church at Norfolk Cemetery on Sunday, April 4 from 6:15 to 7:30 a.m. Jim Tomaszewski seconded, and Jim Lehan abstained from voting. It was so voted by Rob Garrity and Jim Tomaszewski.
Jim Tomaszewski moved to approve the annual Norfolk Baseball parade at 12 noon on Saturday, April 24th – regular route with the provision that they contact Chief Stone for police details. Rob Garrity seconded, and it was so voted.
BUDGET DISCUSSION
Arlie Sterling was present to hear the budget.
Jack reviewed the budget.
The Board discussed snow and ice. Arlie questioned why not $300,000. Jack said he makes no promises that he will find the money in other budgets because he raided them all in January. Jack would like to see $200,000 or $225,000.
Jim said the Board needs to give Jack a start to building a balanced budget. Should the Board stipulate what is non-negotiable? Jack needs to build it from the basics up. Some people can’t do 4%.
WARRANT
Jim Tomaszewski moved to close the warrant. Rob Garrity seconded, and it was so voted.
At 9:57 p.m., Jim Tomaszewski moved to go into executive session for collective bargaining and litigation. Rob Garrity seconded, and it was a roll call vote: Rob Garrity, aye; Jim Lehan, aye; and Jim Tomaszewski, aye. The Board will not return to open session except to adjourn the meeting.
At 10:15 p.m., Jim Tomaszewski moved to adjourn the meeting. Rob Garrity seconded, and it was so voted.
This is a true and accurate report of the Selectmen’s Meeting of March 8, 2010.
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James M. Tomaszewski, Clerk
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