November 1, 2010
Present was Robert J. Garrity, James M. Tomaszewski, James C. Lehan, Jack Hathaway, Town Administrator and Marian Harrington, Executive Assistant.
Rob called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. Rob announced that the meeting was video and audio recorded. Jack read the agenda.
JIM MURRAY, RETIRED GAS INSPECTOR
Present was James K. Murray of Cleveland Street. Jim had served as our Gas Inspector for approximately 45 years before retiring on June 30, 2010. The Board welcomed Jim and gave him a proclamation honoring his years of service and retirement.
SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
Present was Claire Jackson, interim School Superintendent for the Norfolk Public Schools, and Shawn Dooley, Chairman of the School Committee.
The Board welcomed Claire. Claire thanked everyone. They talked about the backup on Boardman Street. Rob asked about car pooling or using the buses.
Everyone discussed the access road and how much that is a godsend now. It will be invaluable once the construction actually starts.
The traffic issues on Boardman St. were a concern. Claire said safety of the children is number one. There have been some near misses already. Jim L. offered Chapter 90 funds that might be well spent there.
Jack asked what she feels the number one challenge is? Claire said finances. The public schools have been very fortunate not to be cut on an annual basis, but first of all, technology, curriculum development, - need to work hard to get back to where they should be. She said that contracts that needed to be renewed have had a cost factor. They are looking at special ed and how it works.
The Board congratulated them on the grant and hoped they would resist the urge to spend as you will need it later. Claire said they plan to save 50% of it.
FIRE DEPARTMENT AWARD
Patrick Rockett, FF/Paramedic of the Norfolk Fire Department was present. With him were Chief Cole Bushnell and Captain Peter Petruchik. Jack Hathaway explained to the Board and residents that Patrick was recently the recipient of the EMS First Responder Award given by the Metropolitan Boston Emergency Medical Services Council, Inc. for his action at a very tragic event on July 30th when we had a major explosion at The Village at Rivers Edge. Patrick was the person who stayed with the construction worker that was trapped in the basement and later died.
The Board commended Patrick for all he did, for his award, and Patrick had his award with him for all to see.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
Bob Nicodemus and Walter Byron were present. Bob said they were here to get permission for a powerpoint for both stormwater and wastewater articles.
Bob presented a handout. and wanted to know if they should go forward, and do they want to see anything beforehand?
Jim T. said showing the maps would be very helpful. Jack said to figure 5 minutes for each, but the wastewater will probably need more. Jim L. said the financials need to be there.
Walter said the people who would tie in to the system; they have their support.
TOWN ADMINISTRATOR REPORT
Jack said the bids for the School Building Project came in well below estimate.
Fire Department
Chief Cole Bushnell was present. They discussed the incident at The Village at Rivers Edge and the award ceremony in which many attended. Jack said the Chief’s leadership at the site and the way he took control and worked with other chiefs and quickly turned chaos into order. The Board and Jack thanked Chief Bushnell.
Cole talked about the after action review. Cole said Fire Marshal Coan who stayed through out the program and spoke at the end called them “heroic jakes”. Cole explained that being called a “jake” is the highest compliment you can get in their business.
They talked about command structure and different aspects of what they did.
Jack praised Joe Castellano, who was the dispatcher on duty when the call came in. He said he is the epitomy of what our small town is. Joe talked to everyone, extracted important information and personally talked with every caller. Jack said he heard the 911 tapes and was proud of the job he did under extreme conditions.
Ambulance
Cole said we need a second ambulance, from a public safety point of view. We can go to town meeting and ask to bond for this, or debt exclusion. Borrow for 5 years at 2% interest. Legal ability to lease an ambulance at 5 ¾ interest rate. Jack said the Board has authority to lease for 3 years without town meeting approval. Jack recommends we contact the Advisory Board and try to do a borrowing and add it on to the school project they are borrowing in Dec. The Chief can order the ambulance which will take 4-6 months. We would start paying for it in 2012.
Cole said the Chief in Attleboro graciously offered us one of there ambulances. We have a backup plan with Franklin to use one of their spares if needed. Jim said by not replacing it and not having a second run, we are losing the revenue. We lose $180,000. And we are running Rescue 1 into the ground.
Jim Lehan supports this and supports Jack’s recommendation, and urges us to go to the Advisory Board. Jim L. does not favor a debt exclusion.
Jack will have the bond counsel prepare a motion.
Jim Lehan moved to recommend that we go forward with the purchase of a new ambulance and borrow rather than lease. Jim Tomaszewski seconded, and it was so voted.
Action Item
Jim Tomazewski moved to appoint Charlotte Howard to the Council on Aging, term to expire June 30, 2011. Jim Lehan seconded, and it was so voted.
Jack reported on the sign for Bixby. The naming rights to the sign at the center roundabout were won at an auction 1.5 years ago. The sign will be up a year, and the sign was donated.
At 8:30 p.m., being no further business, Jim Lehan 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 November 1, 2010.
_______________________________
James C. Lehan, Clerk
| 
