 |
June 26, 2006
Present: Ed Melanson, Chairman, Harvey Nasuti, Vice Chairman; Ellen Friedman, Member; and Vida Holmes, Member. Absent: Dan Winslow, Member
Ed Melanson called the meeting to order at 7:10 p.m. at the Town Hall in Room 214.
Mr. Melanson opened with the Open Public Forum portion of the meeting and recognized John Olivieri, who was in attendance. Mr. Olivieri had several questions answered, or was referred to other boards, on various topics including tree bylaws, dam ownership and operation, new meter program strategy, color of Consumer Confidence Report, parking at library, and hybrid trucks.
Mr. Matt McDonald on the Norfolk Boomerang inquired as to the status of the wireless lease for Cingular. Mr. Vito responded that Cingular is currently reviewing the lease.
Report from DPW Director
Fire Department Training Exercise: Concern was expressed with the manner in which the most recent training was carried out, and Mr. Vito stated that he will be surveying other towns to see how they handle these issues; Mr. Nasuti noted that the Board has reviewed and approved a proposal submitted by Mr. Vito to the Fire Chief which does not seem to have been followed in this instance. It was emphasized that the Board/Department of Public Works is, and needs to be, the ultimate authority on water usage. Mr. Vito strongly suggested that the Board of Selectmen should receive a copy of the policy, for their use in reviewing Fire Department requests.
Roadway Rehabilitation Overlays FY-2007 Recommendation for Award: Ms. Holmes expressed concern with reinstating Bevilacqua; Mr. Vito stated that although their original job was unacceptable, they did repair it at their own cost, and they are the low bidder. Various other members of the Board expressed concern with workmanship, inconvenience to town residents and noted that we don’t know yet if the repair will hold up. Ms. Holmes made a motion to make the award for Roadway Rehabilitation Overlays for FY-2007 to the 2nd low bidder, T.L. Edwards, Mr. Nasuti seconded, at it was so voted.
Vehicles: Mr. Vito turned to discussion to the vehicle purchases. Mr. Vito stated that he had been asked by the Selectmen to revisit and rejustify the need for the vehicles. 2 large dump trucks, loader (split with Transfer Station), berm machine, mower: $550,000. The Board agreed that the original justification is the justification, any money for repair of old vehicles was removed from the budget, and it is absolutely necessary to purchase new vehicles.
Board Business
DPW Director Salary Compensation for FY-2007: Discussion continued with regard to the proper procedure for Boards to contact Town Counsel to get the contract fully endorsed; it was decided that the Department of Public Works office will contact the Town Counsel office. Mr. Melanson stated that the agreement was signed in March, but should have been signed the previous July, through no fault of Mr. Vito. Mr. Melanson continued with discussion of the contract, noting that it states that the Director will receive a 2% annual adjustment, plus a bonus up to $5,000.00 based on goals; however, since formal goals have not been established to date, it was agreed to go forward with the essence of the contract, based on achievements throughout the year. Mr. Melanson then reviewed some key points that he
thought were handled very well by Mr. Vito: marked improvements have been made with the management and maintenance of the water system; Solid Waste Division costs have not gone up, indicating good management. Mr. Melanson reviewed the wording of the contract in that the bonus would be added to this year’s base salary for purposes of retirement calculations, but then would be removed from the base before figuring the 2% adjustment for next year. Mr. Melanson recommended awarding 80% ($4,000.00) of the maximum bonus in addition to the guaranteed 2%. Discussion continued with regard to future goals for the Director, including: meet all budgets within his control; minimize personnel turnover; increase revenue to Transfer Station; transition all Water Department functions from outside contractor to in-house; work aggressively on rate study, meter program, and sourcing new water. Mr. Nasuti made a motion to approve the 2% pay raise, plus $4,000.00
bonus, Ms. Holmes seconded, and it was so voted.
Sidewalk waiver funds: Ms. Friedman requested an explanation of these funds. Mr. Vito stated that the Town allows contractors of subdivisions to waive putting in all of the sidewalks, but the equivalent cost must go in off-site Planning Board account. Ms. Friedman questioned why it is a PB account, and not a DPW account; Mr. Vito replied that the original thought was to put it into the stabilization fund, but it was discovered that it needs to stay under the purview of the PB due to General Laws. DPW requests to use those funds for specific sidewalks, and PB reviews the requests with the Master Plan put together by the Road Safety Committee.
Water Abatement Request, 91 King Street: Ms. Friedman questioned why this water bill was reduced from 20,000 to 800 gallons. Mr. Vito will investigate and reply (update: house was vacant from November to April – issue of Treasurer/Collector office estimating before validating the reading that was submitted by DPW)
Rate Study Interview Schedule: Interview times were discussed and agreed upon. It was also agreed that a quote should be included in the interview presentations.
Property & Facilities: Mr. Vito stated that Dufresne-Henry finished the Gold Street Site review for wells, and noted that some of the property is privately owned by a contractor. To build a well may require a water main that could be a negotiating point. Mr. Vito continued with discussion of the waste water treatment plants at Norfolk Commons and Rivers Edge subdivisions; he suggested it might be wise to discuss the prospect of the Town acquiring the treatment plants on a gift basis; maintenance is minimal. Discussion continued with regard to pros and cons of owning treatment plants.
At 9:30 p.m. being no further business Mr. Melanson made a motion to adjourn; Ms. Holmes seconded, and it was so voted.
| |
