BOARD OF SELECTMEN

FEBRUARY 17, 2004

REGULAR SESSION MINUTES

 “ APPROVED”

 

Present:  Thomas D. Hartnett, Chair; George F. Dillon, Jr., Vice Chair; John L. Saball, Clerk; Peter S. Cunningham, Member; Virginia C. Wood, Member; Maria Casey, Administrative Assistant on behalf of Jean Kitchen and Kathleen Newell, Office Assistant.

Absent:  Administrative Officer Jean E. Kitchen

 

The meeting was called to order at 7:13 p.m.

 

Planning Board - Budget Presentation

Ms. Michelle Collette and Mr. George Barringer were present for this portion of the meeting.

The Board reviewed the budget.  Mr. Barringer stated the budget is six (6) percent less than the previous year.

 

Board of Health & Solid Waste - Budget Presentation

Dr. Susan Horowitz and Mr. Bruce Dubey were present for this portion of the meeting.

The Board reviewed the budget.  Dr. Horowitz stated the Board of Health had been asked to remove the Herbert Lipton mental health services, but the Board had chosen not to.  Ms. Wood stated a review showed a larger usage of the program and a larger population using the service than initially believed.  Mr. Dillon inquired about income from the sale of stickers and bag tags from the Transfer Station.  Mr. Dubey stated there had been $50,000 sales in bags in six months. 

 

POW MIA Flag Presentation

Rescheduled until the following week.

 

Mill Street Realignment Update

Mr. Dillon and Mr. Saball attended a work session regarding the Mill Street Realignment and possible relocation of the intersection.  Mr. Dillon suggested the Chairman of the Board meet with NEBS to discuss their input.  Mr. Hartnett and Mr. Dillon stated they would meet with NEBS and report back to the Board.

 

Town Report Quote Award and Cover Selection

Ms. Maria Casey were present for this portion of the meeting.

 

Ms. Casey explained she had sent out twelve (12) specification packets and received five (5) quotes.  Ms. Casey explained $4,000 had been allocated for the publication of the Town Report.  Ms. Casey stated Commonwealth Printing had bid according to the specifications, providing a sample and had excellent references.  Ms. Casey stated she had had some difficulty in communication with Ikon.  The difference between the two bids was approximately $100. 

 

Mr. Cunningham moved to award the bid for the 2003 Annual Town report to commonwealth Printing in the amount of $2590 at 200 pages for a total of 900 copies.  Seconded by Mr. Saball.  Unanimous vote.

 

Mr. Hartnett asked what the Board's pleasure was in selecting a cover for the Town Report.  Mr. Cunningham stated that the new Groton-Dunstable Regional High School had been a major undertaking in the community.  Mr. Cunningham suggested some rendition of the school for the cover. 

 

Mr. Cunningham moved to select a rendition of the new Groton Dunstable Regional High School for the cover picture of the 2003 Annual Town Report.  Seconded by Ms. Wood.  Unanimous vote.

 

Community Preservation Research Committee Update

Mr. Bruce Easom and Mr. Dan Emerson were present for this portion of the meeting.

 

Mr. Emerson stated the CPA had interviewed 16 committees who have adopted the CPA, so far the majority have found the CPA has been successful in their towns, implementation had been easier than expected, and minimal increase in Assessor and Accountant workload.  So far 314 units have been created and 2700 acres of open space have been preserved.  Mr. Emerson stated future plans of the committee are to continue discussion with Town Boards, Committees and interest groups; looking for public input at their next meeting, which will be noticed in the Herald.

 

Great Ponds Management Advisory Committee Appointment

Mr. Cunningham moved to appoint Francoise D. Forbes to the Great Ponds Management Advisory Committee for the one-year term to expire June 30, 2004.  Seconded by Ms. Wood. Unanimous vote.

 

State Presidential Primary Warrant

Mr. Cunningham moved to sign the State Presidential Primary warrant for Tuesday, March, 2, 2004 form 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM.  Seconded by Ms. Wood.  Unanimous vote.

 

Class II License Amendment

Ms. Wood moved to amend the Class II License for Mr. Piper from individual Ernest W. Piper to Piper's Classic Imports, Incorporated doing business as (d/b/a) Piper's Foreign and Domestic Motor.  Seconded by Mr. Cunningham.  Unanimous vote.

                                                                                                                                   

4 Corners Intersection RE: Environmental Notification Form Comments

Mr. Cunningham moved to reduce the Greenway Committee Charge membership from ten (10) members to seven (7) members.  Seconded by Mr. Dillon.  Unanimous vote.

 

Administrative Officer Update

Ms. Casey reviewed Ms. Kitchen's AO Report stating there would be an environmental site walk at the 4 Corners parking lot on February 24, 2004 at 10:30.  Ms. Casey asked if the Board would like the Sewer Department to come back to discuss their budget.  Mr. Dillon stated he thought they were struggling with their budget.  Ms. Casey stated Lt. Governor Healy be sponsoring an informal roundtable in Fitchburg on February 20, 2004.

 

Selectmen Liaison Updates

Mr. Hartnett stated he had received a call from Mr. Dan Emerson from Plane Sense requesting a member of the Board of Selectmen attend their next meeting. Mr. Hartnett stated he would not mind attending.

 

Mr. Cunningham moved adjourn at 8:30 p.m.  Seconded by Mr. Dillon.  Unanimous vote.

 

 

 

                                                                                    ______________________________

Approved:  _____________________________        Respectfully submitted,

                      John L. Saball, Clerk                                    Kathleen Newell, Office Assistant

 

Date Approved:  March 22, 2004