February 25, 2008
Present was Jonathan P. Smith, Ramesh H. Advani, James C. Lehan and Jack Hathaway, Town Administrator.
Jonathan Smith called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. Jack Hathaway read the agenda contents.
ACTION ITEMS
Jim Lehan moved to accept Massachusetts Avenue, Willow Place and Applewood Road per the attached plans, and sign accordingly. Ramesh Advani seconded, and it was so voted.
Jim Lehan moved to approve the Pan Mass Challenge sign and grant permission to the Mass Highway Department to allow these signs posted in Norfolk. Ramesh said he would like it subject to the Selectmen approving the location and the number. Jim is okay with Butch and Jack making the decision. Ramesh still wants to know how many and where they are going. Jim withdrew his motion.
Ramesh Advani moved to grant permission to the Mass. Highway Department to allow the signs subject to the Board knowing how many and locations with approval of such by the DPW Director. Jim Lehan seconded, and it was so voted.
Ramesh Advani moved to grant permission to the Norfolk Federated Church to hold their annual sunrise service on Easter Sunday, March 23rd at 6 a.m. at the Norfolk Cemetery. Jonathan Smith seconded and Ramesh and Jonathan so voted. Jim Lehan recused himself from discussion and vote.
Ramesh Advani moved to approve the annual Connor's Fun Run to be held on Sunday, May 4, 2008 at 11:30 a.m., usual route. Jim Lehan seconded, and it was so voted.
PUBLIC HEARING - WATER RATES
Present was Remo Vito, DPW Director. Jonathan Smith opened the hearing and read the notice.
Butch said he would like to keep the water rates the same. He said they have a drop in lost water with the new meter. He said they have a $44,000 deficit and has cut staff to take care of the deficit and not have to raise the rates.
Butch said that next year he should have a real accurate picture and be able to have true rates. He said that in April he will have real readings and he will be able to get a clearer picture. They don't have a true picture now because of the meter changes.
The water rates will be 0-15 - $4.75; 15-35 - $5.70; 35-50 - $7.41; 50 and up - $10.37
Jim Lehan moved to accept water rates as presented by the DPW Director. Ramesh Advani seconded and it was so voted.
Jim Lehan moved to close the hearing. Ramesh Advani seconded and it was so voted.
LIQUOR LICENSE PUBLIC HEARING - CAFÉ PESTO, 220 MAIN ST.
Jonathan Smith opened the hearing at 8 p.m. and read the notice.
This was an application by Peter S. Chipman for an all alcoholic restaurant license for Café Pesto at 220 Main Street.
Jack said that in reviewing the application and talking to the applicant, the property is right on the edge of a public school, and according to ABCC regulations, they require that we send a certified letter to the school and that was not done. It needs to be within 500 feet and the school is 490 to 505. To err on the side of caution, we request the Board continue the hearing and we will notify the school.
Jim Lehan moved to continue the hearing to March 10th at 7 p.m. Ramesh Advani seconded and it was so voted
KP BOOSTER BIN
Butch Vito told the Board that KP Boosters want to give up the recycling bin they have run for years. Butch wanted to know what we would want done with it. Does another organization want to do it?
The Board discussed options. Ramesh said the revenue is about $10-$20,000. Butch wasn't sure how the public would react if it was the town doing it as opposed to an organization doing it.
Jack noted that the KP Boosters doing the work was volunteers. That's why they had high revenue, but it could be a break even if we are paying people to do the work.
We will explore this before giving it away. Butch and Jack will make a list of options.
BIWEEKLY CALENDAR
Jack reviewed the biweekly calendar.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Present were members Ken Squires and Jennifer Troutman.
Ken said they looked at the 43D permitting process. They pulled out what will benefit Norfolk.
Ken explained what a 43D permit is. He handed out a presentation.
Jonathan is in favor of this. He would like to see an article on the warrant. Jonathan discussed an Economic Development Corporation. Jennifer said they are not the point people on this. Mike Kulesza is working on this.
Jonathan wants an article for the Economic Development Corporation on the spring town meeting.
OLD BUSINESS
The Board would like the public safety building discussion on Monday, 3/24 and publicize it so that the public can attend and ask questions.
NEW BUSINESS
Jack discussed refinancing options from the Treasurer, Cheryl Kelley. Jack said he has all the detail. He said Cheryl wants to refinance all our bonds in the 4% range and get them to 3.7 or 3.8, which would save $70,000 over the life of the bonds. We are refinancing $1.78 million worth of bonds.
Ramesh Advani moved that the Town shall issue bonds or notes for the purpose of refunding all or any portion of the Town's $1,780,000 Municipal Purpose Loan of 1997 Bonds originally dated as of November 15, 1997 including, if any, the payment of any premium and accrued interest associated therewith, and all other costs incidental and related thereto, under and pursuant to Chapter 44, Section 21A of the Massachusetts General Laws, or any other enabling authority. Jim Lehan seconded, and it was so voted.
At 9:43 p.m., Ramesh Advani moved to go into executive session to discuss pending litigation. Jim Lehan seconded, and it was a roll call vote: Jim Lehan, aye; Ramesh Advani, aye; and Jonathan Smith, aye. The Board will not return to open session except to adjourn the meeting.
At 10:05 p.m., Ramesh Advani moved to adjourn the meeting. Jim Lehan seconded, and it was so voted.
This is a true and accurate report of the Selectmen's Meeting of February 25, 2008.
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Ramesh H. Advani, Clerk
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