BOARD OF SELECTMEN

JANUARY 5, 2004

REGULAR SESSION MINUTES

 “APPROVED”

 

Present:  George F. Dillon, Jr., Vice Chair; John L. Saball, Clerk; Peter S. Cunningham, Member; Virginia C. Wood, Member (arrived at 7:08 p.m.); Administrative Officer Jean E. Kitchen; and Kathleen Newell, Office Assistant.

Absent:  Thomas D. Hartnett, Chair

The meeting was called to order at 7:02 p.m.

 

Continued Public Hearing Fuel Storage – May & Hally

Chief Joseph Bosselait and David Elliott were present for this portion of the meeting.

 

Mr. Cunningham moved to continue the hearing at 7:04 p.m.  Seconded by Mr. Saball.  Unanimous vote.

 

Mr. Cunningham read the legal notice published in the Groton Herald on December 19, 2003.

 

Chief Bosselait stated the previous licensing had been measured by pounds, however that has changed to a gallon measurement.  Chief Bosselait stated May & Hally, Inc. currently has 2,275 gallons liquefied on site; May & Hally, Inc. is requesting 3,550 gallons liquefied gallons, however according to a chart the Chief has just received, the actual amount is 3,755 liquefied gallons.  Chief Bosselait suggested increasing the amount requested to 3,800 liquefied gallons.  

 

Mr. Cunningham moved to close the hearing at 7:10 p.m.  Seconded by Ms. Wood.  Unanimous vote.

 

Pursuant to MGL 148, Section 13, Mr. Cunningham moved to approve May & Hally, Inc.; to increase their capacity to 3,800 liquefied petroleum gas in above ground tanks on Court Street.  Seconded by Ms. Wood.  Unanimous vote.

 

Maintenance Custodian I Position – John Estabrook

Mr. John Estabrook and Mr. John Devereaux were present for this portion of the meeting.

Mr. Estabrook introduced Mr. Devereaux and explained that the primary locations for this position are the Senior Center and Squannacook Hall.  Mr. Dillon stated this was not a new hire, but a replacement.  Mr. Estabrook stated he was filling a slot because there were more hours than manpower.  Ms. Wood asked who Mr. Devereaux’s boss would be. Mr. Estabrook stated he would be his boss.  Ms. Wood asked if the folks at the locations were aware that Mr. Estabrook was his boss and not they.  Ms. Kitchen explained that Mr. Devereaux would be made familiar with the other Town facilities to provide vacation coverage.

Mr. Cunningham moved to appoint John Devereaux as Custodian I at Grade 3, Step 1.  Seconded by Ms. Wood.  Unanimous vote.

 

Appointment Affordable Housing Task Force

Ms. Wood moved to appoint Jim Patierno to the Affordable Task Force term to expire May 31, 2004.  Seconded by Mr. Cunningham.  Unanimous vote. 

 

Community Preservation Research Committee

Ms. Wood moved to appoint Michael Roberts to one of the Member-At-Large positions, term to expire June 30, 2004.  Seconded by Mr. Cunningham.  Unanimous vote.

 

Mr. Cunningham moved to rescind the vote of the Selectmen on December 22, 2003 appointing Donald R. Black as the Park Commission representative on the Community Preservation Research Committee.  Seconded by Ms. Wood.  Unanimous vote.

 

Mr. Cunningham moved to appoint Donald G. Billingsley, Jr. as the Park Commission Representative on the Community Preservation Research Committee term to expire June 30, 2004.   Seconded by Mr. Dillon.  Unanimous vote. 

 

Ms. Kitchen stated that the first meeting of the CPRC would be held January 14, 2004 at 8:00 p.m. in the first floor conference room.

 

Fire Protection/Hydrant Fee Task Force Discussion

Mr. Cunningham moved to amend the representation to the Fire Protection/Hydrant Fee Task Force as follows:  One representative from Finance Committee, One representative from Capital Planning, Three Members-At-Large to include one from Groton Water district and one from West Groton Water District.  Seconded by Ms. Wood.  Unanimous vote.

 

The Board left Open Session to enter into Executive Session at 7:32 p.m. to discuss Litigation.

 

The Board reconvened into Open Session at 8:38 p.m.

 

Computer Consultant Agreement

Ms. Wood moved to approve the Consultant Agreement between the Town of Groton and Kenneth E. Young effective December 4, 2003 through June 30, 2004, as approved to form by Kopelman & Paige, P.C.  Seconded by Mr. Cunningham.  Unanimous vote.

 

Review Regular Session Minutes of December 8, 2003

Ms. Wood moved to approve the Regular Session Minutes of December 8, 2003.  Seconded by Mr. Cunningham.  Unanimous vote.

 

Review Regular Session Minutes of December 15, 2003

Ms. Wood moved to approve the Regular Session Minutes of December 15, 2003.  Seconded by Mr. Cunningham.  Unanimous vote.

 

Review Regular Session Minutes of December 22, 2003

Ms. Wood moved to approve the Regular Session Minutes of December 22, 2003, as amended.  Seconded by Mr. Cunningham.  Unanimous vote.

 

Administrative Officer Update

Ms. Kitchen reviewed her AO Report stating she had met with MRPC regarding the 418 plan – they are going to do a survey of the Town residents, either by mailing or website with regards to affordable housing.  Ms. Kitchen stated she was looking for some direction from the Board all bids for the Cell Tower application have been reviewed and not one of the bids met the requirements of the RFP.  Ms. Kitchen stated the proposals have not gone to Town Counsel for review.  Mr. Josh Webber, who had submitted a bid, asked if the Board would be having a forum to get public input.  Mr. Webber, who had reviewed the bids, stated there are some subtle language nuances in the lease agreements, which he wanted to Board to be aware of.  Mr. Dillon stated that if the Board was going to discuss the item, it should be on an agenda.

 

Selectmen Liaison Updates

Ms. Wood stated she, Ms. Collette and Ms. Kitchen had met with MRPC – they had looked at briefs and the 218 reports looked better, a meeting is planned for next Wednesday at 6:00 p.m. with the Task Force and MRPC.

 

Mr. Cunningham stated he had seen a report from the Town Government Study.  Mr. Dillon asked if the Board should request the Town Government Study to come to a meeting to discuss the Town Clerk Study.  Mr. Cunningham stated he would suggest attending one of their meetings first.

 

Mr. Saball stated he had the privilege to attend an Eagle Scout ceremony for Derek Erickson on Saturday, December 27, 2003 and read a proclamation on behalf of the Board.  Mr. Saball stated that Mr. Erickson has made significant contributions to the Town.  Mr. Saball also stated that he had received a letter from the Chief of Police inviting the Board to NEMLEC day, he stated he would be attending the event and hoped other members could attend.

 

Mr. Cunningham moved to adjourn at 9:06 p.m.  Seconded by Mr. Dillon.  Unanimous vote.

 

 

                                                                                    ______________________________

Approved:  _____________________________            Respectfully submitted,

                      John L. Saball, Clerk                                     Kathleen Newell, Office Assistant

 

Date Approved:  January 26, 2003