BOARD OF SELECTMEN

JANUARY 30, 2006

REGULAR SESSION MINUTES

 APPROVED

 

Present:  George F. Dillon, Jr., Chair; John L. Saball, Vice Chair; Robert W. Nordblom, Clerk; Peter S. Cunningham, Member; Jean E. Kitchen, Administrative Officer and Kathleen Newell, Office Assistant

Absent:  Mihran Keoseian, Member

 

The meeting opened at 7:03 P.M.

 

Groton Community Foundation RE:  Goals

Mr. Frank Belitsky, Mr. Bert Tompkins, Mr. Thomas Hartnett, Mr. Steve Webber, Ms. Tracey Shea, Ms. Margaret Perras, Ms. Dolores Alberghini, Ms. Connie Sartini, Ms. Bonnie Biocchi, Mr. Kenn Thompson and Ms. Karen Riggert were present for this portion of the meeting.

 

Mr. Belitsky reviewed the articles of organization.  Mr. Webber stated that the original goal of the foundation had been to physically increase the size of the senior center and he reviewed the various potential locations.  Mr. Webber stated that the original goal had changed and they were now looking for a community center for children, teens and seniors.  Mr. Webber noted that it would be advantageous to lure a commercial health club to build a facility adjacent to the community center.  Ms. Sartini stated that in addition to contributions, they would anticipate grants and she expressed a desire to research similar community centers in other communities.  Mr. Webber stated that the Foundation was a private charitable organization working in the Towns interest.  Mr. Webber reviewed a list of questions presented to the Board.  Mr. Webber stated that the Foundation was requesting that the Board help them find a suitable parcel of land in town.

 

Mr. Cunningham stated that he liked the conceptual idea and would like to see more information on how it is done in other communities.  Mr. Belitsky emphasized the Foundation is committed to raise the money.  Ms. Kitchen encouraged the members of the Foundation to have a detailed professional marketing plan conducted.

 

Computer Committee RE:  Computer Standards

Mr. Steve Webber was present for this portion of the meeting.

 

Mr. Webber reviewed a letter detailing the Computer Committees responsibilities.  Mr. Webber explained that there would be no cost involved and the intent was to define a central authority.  Ms. Kitchen suggested that the letter to department heads be a joint effort from the Board of Selectmen and the Computer Committee.  There was a consensus of the Board to prepare a joint letter.

 

Chief Mulhern RE:  Police & Communications Budget and Dispatch Reserve Officer Appointment

Chief Robert L. Mulhern and Ms. Joan MacEachern were present for this portion of the meeting.

 

Chief Mulhern introduced Ms. MacEachern and reviewed her qualifications for the position, stating that she would be an asset to the department.

 

Mr. Saball moved to appoint Joan MacEachern as a Reserve Communications Officer for the term to expire June 30, 2006, with a one-year probationary period effective February 1, 2006.  Seconded by Mr. Nordblom.  4 in favor, 1 absent (Keoseian).

 

Chief Mulhern reviewed Communications budget as follows:  2.5% increase in budgets; 93% wages; 0% increase in expenses; decrease in minor capital costs; zero growth budget; raises were per contract and the contract has been settled; one minor capital  expense for the replacement of radio and a computer.  At Mr. Dillons request, Chief Mulhern reviewed the agreement with Dunstable for communications.

 

Chief Mulhern reviewed the Police budget as follows:  .05% increase; no new positions or increase in hours; cost savings by hiring at lower steps; dramatic increase in utilities because of increase in the use of the building; decrease in wage account, but without a contract; dramatic increase in fuel.  Chief Mulhern stated that he was requesting another Taser and two vehicles to replace patrol vehicles.  Chief Mulhern stated that he felt he could provide public safety with this budget and would request that the Board of Selectmen support his budget.

 

Parks Commission Budget

Mr. Don Black was present for this portion of the meeting.

 

Mr. Black reviewed the budget items noting the following:  increase in number of baseball diamonds; need for subcontract help in installing safe mode to the fences; $4,400 requested for fireworks.

 

Recreation Department Reconfiguration of Programs

Ms. Liza Judge, Ms. Deborah Mendel, Mr. Peter Ohringer, Mr. Tom Lamont, Park Commissioner Don Black and numerous members of the community were present for this portion of the meeting.

 

Mr. Cunningham reviewed the reasons which necessitated this meeting.  Mr. Saball stated that the Department was lacking leadership and it had been a battle trying to find and keep commissioners and now is the time to look at the structure and see what the issues are and figure out how to provide the services the citizens have come to expect.  A citizen asked why the Board felt the need to disband the Recreation Department.  Mr. Saball stated that there was a need for Commissioners to assure that the department is run smoothly by providing oversight.  Mr. Saball further stated that there had been a $15,000 deficit and the Board had given a lot of thought and effort to determine how to best serve the community.  Ms. Deborah Mendel stated that she was sympathetic to the Boards position, but thought it would be shortsighted to get rid of the Recreation Department completely and she thought it would be a mistake to privatize. Mr. Cunningham stated that the intent was not to eliminate the programs but to provide them in a manner which would not impact the tax rate. 

 

Mr. Cunningham stated that the Recreation Department had been a revolving account and there were some things that werent working i.e. programs which could not sustain themselves; and it then became a budgeted department.  Mr. Cunningham stated that it had become difficult to maintain the level of oversight.  Mr. Cunningham noted that there are other entities that will provide the core programs.

 

Mr. Jeff Ohringer, of Kids Kick Soccer, stated the program could be melded in with the Groton Dunstable Soccer Club. 

 

Mr. Saball asked Mr. Black to elaborate on what programs could be provided.  Mr. Black stated that the Recreation Commission was multifold in that it deals with the Recreation Commission, baseball, soccer, lacrosse organizations etc. and referenced the Littleton Parks/Recreation.  Mr. Black stated that Ms. Karen Tuomi had provided a list of other entities which could provide arts and theatre programs.  Mr. Black stated that the programs which currently exist could be sustained, but from other sources.

Ms. Susan Obrega stated she would appreciate communication regarding the availability of programs either via the website or some other media.  Mr. Cunningham stated that the website was crucial and the Board was at a point where it is looking at the big picture and determine what is sustainable.  Mr. Cunningham stated that the Board was looking at what the reality is and where the areas of interest and what programs are still available.  Mr. Cunningham noted that if the Town is not funding the budget; the money will follow the programs. 

 

Discussion ensued relative to the Groton Country Club and Recreation Authority.

 

Ms. Mendel stated that it might be possible to keep the web name to filter information regarding the programs through the recreation website.

 

Mr. Dillon asked the Board members if they would like to submit the budget.  Mr. Cunningham stated he did not wish to submit the budget.  Mr. Saball, Mr. Nordblom and Mr. Dillon concurred.

 

OTHER BUSINESS

Town Diarist Appointment

Mr. Saball to appoint M. Constance Sartini as Town Diarist to fill the vacancy for the one-year term, term to expire June 30, 2006.  Seconded by Mr. Nordblom.  4 in favor, 1 absent (Keoseian).

 

One Day Liquor License, Nashoba Valley Chamber of Commerce  March 28, 2006 from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. @ Lawrence Academy

Mr. Saball moved to approve a One-Day Liquor License for All Alcohol for Bonnie Biocchi on behalf of Nashoba Valley Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday, March 28, 2006 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.  Seconded by Mr. Nordblom.  4 in favor, 1 absent (Keoseian).

 

Open Annual Town Meeting Warrant

Mr. Saball moved to open the Warrant for article submission for the Annual Town Meeting to be held on April 24, 2006, and to close the warrant on Wednesday, March 1, 2006, at Noon.  Seconded by Mr. Nordblom.  4 in favor, 1 absent (Keoseian).

 

Execute Agreement between Town of Groton and Ammann & Whitney for Fitchs Bridge Engineering Services

Mr. Saball moved to execute the Agreement for engineering services in conjunction with the rehabilitation of Fitchs Bridge by and between the Town of Groton and Amman & Whitney.  Seconded by Mr. Nordblom.  4 in favor, 1 absent (Keoseian).

 

ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER REPORT

Ms. Kitchen stated that she, Patti Modzelewski, Valerie Jenkins and Mihran Keoseian had met with the Finance Committee to make a presentation for the Personnel Manager.

 

 

 

 

SELECTMEN LIAISON UPDATE

Mr. Dillon stated the Board would be scheduling the representative from the Trust for Public Lands to give a presentation to the Board for the proposed purchase of land from the Campbell Trust.  Ms. Kitchen noted that it was scheduled for February 13, 2006 at 7:00 p.m.

 

Mr. Saball stated that a request had previously been made to Mass Highway regarding a truck exclusion for Mill Street and asked if there was anything that could be done to facilitate getting an answer.  Ms. Kitchen stated that two letters had been sent and she would contact Representative Hargraves office again.

 

Mr. Cunningham stated that the Governors budget had been released and asked how it affected the Town.  Ms. Kitchen stated that the school would be receiving more than expected.  Mr. Dillon stated it would help to bridge the gap, but it would not cover the gap.

 

Mr. Saball moved to enter into Executive Session at 9:37 p.m. in accordance with MGL Chapter 39, Section 23B, for the purpose of discussing strategy with respect to Police Union collective bargaining and contract negotiations  and will not reconvene in Open Session.  Seconded by Mr. Nordblom.  Roll Call vote:  Dillon  yes; Saball  yes; Nordblom- yes; Cunningham  yes.

 

 

 

 

                                                                                    ______________________________

Approved:  _____________________________                   respectfully submitted,

                  Robert W. Nordblom, Clerk                                   Kathleen Newell

                                                                                    Office Assistant

 

 

Date Approved:  March 6, 2006