BOARD OF SELECTMEN

JUNE 28, 2004

REGULAR SESSION MINUTES

APPROVED

 

Present:  George F. Dillon, Jr., Chair; Peter S. Cunningham, Vice Chair; John L. Saball, Clerk: Virginia C. Wood, Member (arrived at 7:13 p.m.); Robert W. Nordblom, Member; Administrative Officer Jean E. Kitchen and Kathleen Newell, Office Assistant

 

The meeting was called to order at 7:03 p.m.

 

Trust Commission RE:  Joint Election

Mr. Thomas Hartnett, Mr. John Llodra, Ms. Karen Tuomi, Trust Administrator, Trust Commissioners Ms. Patricia Hartvigsen and Mr. Joseph Twomey and State Representative Robert Hargraves were present for this portion of the meeting.

The Trust Commissioners convened their meeting.

Ms. Kitchen asked if Ms. Tuomi had posted the meeting.  Ms. Tuomi stated she was unaware it was necessary. Ms. Hartvigsen stated there were two candidates for the position of Trustee, which, would be held until the election in May 2005.  Mr. Hartnett reviewed his qualifications with the Board.  Mr. Llodra reviewed his qualifications.  Ms. Kitchen distributed ballots to the Board and Trust Commissioners and explained the members would vote and then verbally record the vote.  Ballot results were as follows:  6 votes for Mr. Hartnett, 1 vote for Mr. Llodra.  Verbal results:  Dillon- Hartnett; Cunningham - Hartnett; Saball - Hartnett; Wood - Hartnett; Nordblom - Llodra; Hartvigsen - Hartnett; Twomey - Hartnett.  The members encouraged Mr. Llodra to apply to the Finance Committee.

 

Recreation Commission RE:  Update

Mr. Peter DiFranco, Ms. Kerry Strauss, Ms. Liza Judge and Town Accountant Valerie Jenkins were present for this portion of the meeting.

Mr. DiFranco reviewed a summary of what has been done to date, stating the Commission has made considerable strides in reducing the deficit.  Mr. DiFranco stated an independent analysis had been performed and the quick books program is properly installed on the computer.  Mr. DiFranco stated the Commissioners had pulled together as a team and had suffered a setback with the resignation of Mr. Neil Cotoni.  Mr. DiFranco stated the successful programs were Tennis, Soccer Camp and Adult Summer Ballet and the swimming had to be cancelled due to lack of staffing.

 

Mr. Dillon asked why there was difference of opinion on the amount of the deficit whether it was $10,000 or $17,000 and the original deficit was $30,000.  Mr. DiFranco responded stating the database had never been reconciled and the numbers should match the Town Accountant's.  Ms. Judge stated a check ($2100) for the Holofcener ice rink had been turned into the Selectmen's Office.

 

Mr. Cunningham stated he was impressed with the progress and the Commissioners who had been asked to do an impossible task were going in the right direction.  Mr. Saball concurred with Mr. Cunningham, and stated the Commission needed to come to terms with the Accountant and also keep programs available.  Mr. Nordblom asked if the $10,000 figure could not be backed up why it was on the report.  Mr. Nordblom stated at some point the Commission's and Accountant's books needed to match.  Mr. Dillon stated they would on July 1, 2004.

 

Ms. Wood stated she would like to see projections of summer program revenue vs. proposed expenses and would like to hear from Ms. Jenkins.  Ms. Jenkins stated if the $2100 check were not deposited by June 30, 2004 the amount would not be credited to the deficit but will go in the general fund. 

 

Mr. DiFranco stated the Holofcener's had provided funds for a bench at the ice rink and he (DiFranco) would like to have a dedication ceremony.  Mr. DiFranco stated he had spoken with Mr. Don Black of the Parks Department who seemed agreeable to the idea.  Mr. DiFranco further stated there is also a trust fund, which is being held by Coldwell Banker and needs to be set up.  Ms. Kitchen asked if Coldwell Banker was going to create a trust fund or were they going to turn the money over to the Town.  Ms. Jenkins suggested a gift fund if there is not a lot of principal.  Mr. Cunningham asked if there were a contact person at Coldwell Banker and suggested they contact Ms. Jenkins.

 

John Estabrook, Building Maintenance Supervisor RE:  Goals

Mr. Estabrook reviewed the FY04 Accomplishments and FY05 Goals of the Maintenance Department.

 

Mr. Estabrook reviewed his department's FY04 accomplishments and FY05 goals and objectives.

 

Ms. Wood stated earlier this year there had been a discussion regarding the Prescott School renovations and Mr. Estabrook had a part in the process.  Ms. Wood asked if the project was being totally handled by the School Department.  Mr. Estabrook stated he had had no contact from the School, but he would follow up on the issue.

 

Ms. Wood asked Mr. Estabrook if he were going to utilize prisoners or Tech School students for painting projects.  Mr. Estabrook stated painting would be done in-house, but the windows would be an outside contractor.  Ms. Wood suggested Mr. Estabrook follow up with Mr. Delaney regarding the Highway building and the School project.  Ms. Kitchen stated she would call the School Department.  Chief of Police Mulhern asked if the painting of the Public Safety Building was projected for this year as it was in both budgets.  Mr. Estabrook stated he had done repairs, but painting was not planned.  Chief Mulhern stated he was concerned with the exterior of the building.  Mr. Estabrook stated the entire building needed to be painted.  Mr. Saball stated the Sheriff's Department had offered labor and all that was needed were the materials.  Mr. Dillon suggested Mr. Estabrook work with Chief Mulhern.

 

Ms. Wood moved to accept Building & Maintenance goals with three additions; coordinate with Prescott School and West Groton Service Station and painting of public safety building provided there are funds.  Seconded by Mr. Cunningham.  Unanimous vote.

 

Chief of Police Robert Mulhern RE:  Goals

Chief Robert Mulhern was present for this portion of the meeting.

 

Chief Mulhern reviewed the goals and objectives for the Police Department.  Chief Mulhern stated the department would be offering RAD Classes, which have been popular in other towns and he was in the process of ordering equipment.

 

Chief Mulhern stated one goal not achieved was accreditation, but is on this year's goals. 

 

Chief Mulhern stated he wanted to increase the ability of communications to work simultaneously together.

 

Chief Mulhern stated the DARE program needs to be reassessed, as the fifth grade students will no longer be in local buildings.  Chief Mulhern stated he was making a commitment that there will be a DARE program next year.  Also Chief Mulhern stated he is working towards an interactive website to better expedite requests.

 

Ms. Wood stated several years ago the Growth Management Group reported they could not access response times from the old computer system; and she wanted to make sure that information could be obtained from the new system.  Chief Mulhern stated he can interface with the Fire Chief and they are working to resolve any glitches.  Ms. Wood stated she would like to add that the Chief of Police continue to work with Fire/EMS to make sure their needs are met with regard to dispatch.

 

Ms. Wood moved to formally accept the Chief of Police's goals as written June 25, 2004 with one addendum.  Seconded by Mr. Saball.  Unanimous vote.

 

Police Appointment - Patrol Officer - Michael C. Crowley

Chief of Police Robert Mulhern and Officer Michael C. Crowley were present for this portion of the meeting.

Chief Mulhern reviewed Officer Crowley's qualifications, stating he would make an excellent addition to the force and would be filling a grant position, which was vacated last month.

 

Mr. Cunningham moved to appoint Michael C. Crowley to the position of Patrol Officer effective July 12, 2004, with a one-year probationary period, contingent upon medical testing results.  Seconded by Mr. Saball. Unanimous vote.

 

Fire Chief Joseph Bosselait RE: Goals

Chief Joseph Bosselait and Mr. John Walsh were present for this portion of the meeting.

 

Chief Bosselait reviewed his department's goals for FY04, which he was proud to say had all been completed with the exception of the Station 3 renovations.

 

Mr. Cunningham asked Chief Bosselait if the station was close to opening.  Chief Bosselait responded an occupancy permit was needed.  Mr. Saball stated several items are needed and a dialogue is on going between the Clerk of the Works and the Contractor.  Chief Bosselait stated a punch list had been discussed with the contractor.

 

Chief Bosselait reviewed the FY05 Goals and objectives of the Fire Department. (enclosed herein).  Chief Bosselait stated he was working on ISO re-rating, which are fire insurance ratings and could reduce insurance costs for the Town and residents.  Chief Bosselait further stated he would like to establish new fees for inspections for Fire Engineering review of non-residential plans.  Ms. Kitchen asked if the non-residential inspections are in addition to the paid shift.  Chief Bosselait stated large projects take multiple people.

 

Ms. Wood stated a representative from the State Fire Marshall's office had spoken regarding fire sprinklers, and asked Chief Bosselait if he were going to tackle a sprinkler bylaw.  Chief Bosselait responded he would.

 

Mr. Dillon referenced Communications stating Chief Bosselait should include maximizing the Fire Departments requirements in his goals.  Mr. Saball and Mr. Cunningham concurred.

 

Mr. Nordblom asked if fire drills for Municipal Buildings were conducted.  Ms. Kitchen stated that would be a good idea with the number of new employees.  Ms. Kitchen stated she would schedule with Chief Bosselait.

 

Ms. Wood moved to accept the Fire Chief's Goals and Objectives dated June 28, 2004 as amended, including new fee schedule for brush permits, look into re-inspection fees and look into new bylaw for sprinklers for the Annual Town Meeting, work with Chief of Police for Communications needs and work with Ms. Kitchen for fire drills in municipal buildings.  Seconded by Mr. Cunningham.  Unanimous vote.

 

Ambulance Abatements

Mr. John Walsh, Ms. Susan Ragusa, and Ms. Valerie Jenkins were present for this portion of the meeting.

Ms. Wood read a memo from Ms. Jenkins.  Ms. Jenkins stated the collection rate was very good.

 

Mr. Cunningham moved to authorize the Town Accountant to abate $8,701.07 on behalf of the Emergency Medical Services Ambulance bills for FY03, effective June 30, 2004.  Seconded by Mr. Saball.  Unanimous vote.

 

John Walsh, Emergency Medical Services Director RE:  Ambulance Goals

Mr. John Walsh, Ms. Susan Ragusa, Chief Joseph Bosselait and Mr. Steve Webber were present for this portion of the meeting.

 

Mr. Walsh stated the call volume was up from last year and he was also predicting an increase this year with the growth of the Town.  Mr. Walsh stated next year would be the 30^th Anniversary of the EMS Department and he would like to coordinate something with the 350^th celebrations.  Mr. Walsh stated he would like to request a new ambulance at the Fall Town Meeting.  Ms. Wood asked for a ballpark figure.  Mr. Walsh responded $135,000.  Mr. Dillon asked if this was in the plan. Mr. Webber responded it had been pushed off in FY04 and FY05.  Mr. Walsh referenced Communications stating the Fire Department shares a frequency with the Highway and Water Departments and he would like to work with Chief Bosselait to obtain repeater frequencies.  Mr. Walsh suggested the Fire/EMS look at regionalizing the Communications as the calls are swamping the Police Department.

 

Mr. Walsh reviewed the Heart Safe program stating the EMT's are taking courses to become instructors.

 

Mr. Dillon asked the status of the agreement with Townsend EMS.  Ms. Kitchen stated there is six months funding until December and Townsend requires two months notice to cease services.  Ms. Kitchen questioned the fifth goal of EMS officers asking how it would work under the merger. 

 

Ms. Wood moved to accept the list of priorities as outlined in the June 21, 2004 memo with one addition to continue working with the Fire and Police Chiefs in Communications.  Seconded by Mr. Cunningham.  Unanimous vote.

 

Martha Campbell, Council on Aging Director RE:  Goals

Ms. Martha Campbell was present for this portion of the meeting.

Ms. Campbell reviewed the Goals and Objectives for Council on Aging.  Ms. Campbell further stated she is working towards Certification as a Massachusetts Council on Aging Director of which there are currently only 2 in the state.  Ms. Campbell stated Certification results in excellence, which is reviewed when applying for grants or funding.  Mr. Dillon stated the COA has an active program.  Ms. Campbell stated there would be a preview of "Death of a Doornail" and the plans are being made for the 2^nd Annual Murder Mystery. Ms. Wood suggested changing the date for the future play to after the Spring Town Elections and Annual Town Meeting.  Mr. Dillon complimented Ms. Campbell for hosting the Fire Marshall Ceremony.

 

Ms. Wood moved to accept the Council on Aging Goals with one change, to consider changing the date for the 2^nd Annual Murder Mystery.  Seconded by Mr. Saball.  Unanimous vote.

 

Council on Aging RE:  Interview - Donna Moorhead

Ms. Martha Campbell and Ms. Donna Moorhead were present for this portion of the meeting.

Mr. Cunningham moved the appointment of Donna Moorhead as a member of the Council on Aging, (effective July 1, 2004) three-year term to expire June 30, 2007.  Seconded by Mr. Saball.  Unanimous vote.

 

OTHER BUSINESS:

Town Reimbursement Rate for Mileage

Mr. Dillon moved to increase the Town Reimbursement Rate for Mileage to .34 cents per mile.  Seconded by Ms. Wood.  Unanimous vote.

 

Reappointments - Archives Committee; Building Committee; Commission on the Handicapped; Communications Officer; Earth Removal Advisory Committee; Election Worker; Finance Committee; Greenway Committee; Historic Districts Committee; Lost Lake/Knops Pond Weed Management Committee; Main Street Committee; Old Burying Ground Committee; Police Auxiliary; Police Matron; Police Officer; Recreation Commission; Recycling Committee; Reserve patrolman; Sign Committee; Trails Committee; Web Site Committee; Williams Barn Committee; Zoning Board of Appeals; Special Police Officers - Townsend; Special Police Officer - Groton

Mr. Dillon moved to appoint Lona M. Bassett to the Archives Committee for the one-year term to expire June 30, 2005.  Seconded by Mr. Cunningham.  Unanimous vote.

 

Mr. Cunningham moved to appoint Joseph L. Bosselait, Brooks T. Lyman, Thomas D. Hartnett, Michelle Collette, and James R. Western to the Building Committee for the one-year terms to expire June 30, 2005.  Seconded by Ms. Wood.  Unanimous vote.

 

Mr. Saball moved to appoint Margaret M. McPartlan to the Commission on the Handicapped for the one-year term to expire June 30, 2005.  Seconded by Ms. Wood.  Unanimous vote

 

Ms. Wood moved to appoint April Melvin, Paul E. Martell, Edward J. Bushnoe, Darlene A. Touchette, Joseph M. Woods and Sarah E. Mickle as Communications Officers for the one-year terms to expire June 30, 2005. Seconded by Mr. Saball.  Unanimous vote.

 

Mr. Nordblom moved to appoint Evan Owen to the Earth Removal Advisory Committee for the one-year term to expire June 30, 2005.  Seconded by Mr. Saball.  Unanimous vote.

 

Mr. Dillon moved to appoint Robert Hanninen to the Earth Removal Advisory Committee for the three-year term to expire June 30, 2007.  Seconded by Mr. Cunningham.  Unanimous vote.

 

Mr. Cunningham moved to appoint Edward A. Perkins to the Earth Removal Advisory Committee term to expire June 30, 2005.  Seconded by Mr. Saball.  Unanimous vote.

 

Mr. Saball moved to appoint Joshua A. Degen to the Earth Removal Advisory Committee for the one-year term to expire June 30, 2005.  Seconded by Mr. Cunningham.   Unanimous vote.

 

Ms. Wood moved to appoint Gregory W. Maloney, Jr., Ann F. Walsh, Janet H. Thompson, Ellen T. Hargraves, Margaret F. Connolly, and Lorraine A. Leonard as Election Workers for the one-year term to expire June 30, 2005.  Seconded by Mr. Saball.  Unanimous vote.

 

Mr. Nordblom moved to appoint Ann F. Walsh to the Finance Committee for the three-year term to expire June 30, 2007.  Seconded by Mr. Saball.  Unanimous vote.

 

Mr. Dillon moved to appoint Stacey B. Chilcoat, Deborah C. O'Rourke, Marion R. Stoddart, and David M. Manugian to the Greenway Committee for the one-year terms to expire June 30, 2005.  Seconded by Mr. Cunningham.  Unanimous vote.

 

Mr. Cunningham moved to appoint Richard P. Chilcoat to the Historic Districts Committee for the three-year term to expire June 30, 2007.  Seconded by Mr. Saball.  Unanimous vote.

 

Mr. Saball moved to appoint Arthur R. G. Campbell, Evan C. Owen, William H. Eger, John G. Diezemann, Susan H. Horowitz, Robert J. Lewis and Lawrence W. Swezey to the Lost Lake/Knops Pond Weed Management Committee for the one-year terms to expire June 30, 2005.  Seconded by Mr. Nordblom.  Unanimous vote.

 

Ms. Wood moved to appoint John J. Rooney, Edward J. Kopec, Deborah C. O'Rourke, Robert L. Mulhern, R. Thomas Delaney, Jr., and Jane A. Bouvier to the Main Street Committee for the one-year terms to expire June 30, 2005.  Seconded by Mr. Saball.  Unanimous vote.

 

Mr. Nordblom moved to appoint Ellen T. Hargraves and Carolyn M. French to the Old Burying Ground Committee for the one-year term to expire June 30, 2005.  Seconded by Mr. Cunningham.  Unanimous vote.

 

Mr. Dillon moved to appoint Mark Miller as a Police Auxiliary for the one-year term to expire June 30, 2005.  Seconded by Mr. Saball.  Unanimous vote.

 

Mr. Cunningham moved to appoint Kathy E. Morin, April Melvin, M. Priscilla Lamy, Beverly A. Jeddrey, and Darlene A. Touchette as Police Matrons for the one-year terms to expire June 30, 2005.  Seconded by Mr. Saball.  Unanimous vote.

 

Mr. Saball moved to appoint James A. Cullen, III, Jeffrey Frates Fox, Edward P. Sheridan, Elizabeth A. Crowley, Athanasi N. Darviris, Jeffrey M. Gigliotti, Richard C. Elie, Eric M. Watkins, Derrick J. Gemos, and John Rooney to the Groton Police Department for the one-year terms to expire June 30, 2005.  Seconded by Ms. Wood.  Unanimous vote.

 

Ms. Wood moved to appoint Peter J. DiFranco to the Recreation Commission for the one-year term to expire June 30, 2005.  Seconded by Mr. Cunningham.  Unanimous vote.

 

Mr. Nordblom moved to appoint Bruce E. Dubey and Michelle H. Lerner to the Recycling Committee for the one-year terms to expire June 30, 2005.  Seconded by Mr. Saball.  Unanimous vote.

 

Mr. Dillon moved to appoint George Aggott, Sean K. Lando, Ryan P. Griffin, and Michael C. Crowley as Reserve Patrolman for the one-year term to expire June 30, 2005.  Seconded by Mr. Cunningham.  Unanimous vote.

 

Mr. Cunningham moved to appoint Joseph F. Bassett, Jr. to the Sign Committee for the one-year term to expire June 30, 2005.  Seconded by Mr. Saball.  Unanimous vote.

 

Mr. Saball moved to appoint Victor C. Burton, Edward J. McNierney, Stephen A. Legge, Wendy A. Good, Paul G. Funch and Bruce H. Easom to the Trails Committee for the one-year terms to expire June 30, 2005.  Seconded by Ms. Wood.  Unanimous vote.

 

Ms. Wood moved to appoint Donald A. Dent, Steven H. Webber, and Gregory W. Maloney, Jr. to the Web Site Committee for the one-year terms to expire June 30, 2005.  Seconded by Mr. Saball.  Unanimous vote.

 

Mr. Nordblom moved to appoint Alfred L. Wyatt and Stacey B. Chilcoat to the Williams Barn Committee for the one-year term to expire June 30, 2005.  Seconded by Mr. Saball.  Unanimous vote.

 

Mr. Dillon moved to appoint Cynthia A. Maxwell and David L. Gandle as Associate Members to the Zoning Board of Appeals for the one-year terms to expire June 30, 2005.  Seconded by Mr. Cunningham.  Unanimous vote.

 

Mr. Cunningham moved to appoint the following Special Police Officers from Townsend for the one-year term, term to expire June 30, 2005:  Officers Barbara Ammendolia, Robert L. Breault, Tony Brennan, James D. Capsalis, Austin Cote, Mark Francis, Mark Giancotti, Randy Girard, Andrew Gomes, James W. Johnson, John W. Johnson, Mary Ann Kinirey, James P. Marchand, Chief Erving M. Marshall, Jr., Cheryl Mattson, Daniel Morrison, Thomas Pearson, David A. Profit, Robert J. Rebovich, Kimberly J. Rebovich, George D. Reidy, Travis S. Rixford, Thaddeus G. Rochette, Jeffrey Thibodeau, and Christopher Van Voorhis.  Seconded by Mr. Saball.  Unanimous Vote

 

Mr. Saball moved to appoint the following Special Police Officers from Groton for the one-year term, term to expire June 30, 2005:  Officer Jack E. Balonis.  Seconded by Mr. Cunningham.  Unanimous vote.

 

ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER REPORT

Ms. Kitchen stated MassHighway would be opening the light bids on July 13, 2004.  Ms. Kitchen stated an insurance credit had been received from MIIA.  Ms. Kitchen also stated she had requested a transfer for legal counsel.

 

SELECTMEN LIAISON UPDATE

Mr. Saball stated the Fire Marshall Ceremony had been very successful.  Mr. Saball stated Mr. Bill Shute, EMA would be applying for a grant for interoperability in homeland security, the total grant amount is $32,000,000 of which the Town's portion would be $12,800.

 

Mr. Nordblom stated the Finance Committee would be meeting the following night.

 

Mr. Dillon moved to adjourn at 9:49 p.m.  Seconded by Mr. Cunningham. Unanimous vote.

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                                    ______________________________

Approved:  _____________________________                     Respectfully submitted,

                  John L. Saball, Clerk                                    Kathleen Newell, Office Assistant

 

 

 

Date Approved:  August 2, 2004