PRESENT:     Selectmen Joseph A. Sergi, Patrick J. McNabb, and Joseph Hallisey; John Moak, Town Administrator; Peggy Mazzola, Administrative Assistant

The meeting was called to order at 7:08 PM. 

ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES: On a motion by Mr. McNabb and seconded by Mr. Hallisey, the minutes of the meeting of December 21, 2009 were unanimously approved.

APPROVE WARRANT/SIGN PURCHASE ORDERS: The Board signed the warrants. 

PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS: Mr. Sergi welcomed John Moak, who is attending his first meeting as Town Administrator.

APPOINTMENTS/RESIGNATIONS:

Item #1 – Appointments: Election Worker, Historical Commission: Mr. McNabb read a memo requesting the appointment of Kevin J. Postel as Precinct 2 Inspector and Diane Cronin to the Historical Commission.  On a motion by Mr. McNabb and seconded by Mr. Hallisey, it was unanimously voted to appoint Kevin J. Postel to the position of Precinct 2 Inspector, term to expire 8/31/10.  On a motion by Mr. McNabb and seconded by Mr. Hallisey, it was unanimously voted to appoint Diane Cronin to the Historical Commission, term to expire 6/30/12.

Item #2 – Resignation: Registrar: Mr. McNabb read a letter of resignation from Emilie Presnall from her position as Registrar.  The Board accepted the resignation with regret.

ACTION ITEMS:

Item #1 – Discussion: Agricultural Land License, with Dragonfly Farms: Present were Sue and Frank Ventura from Dragonfly Farms.  Mr. Moak outlined the terms of the license agreement.  Discussion ensued relative to automatic renewal in the 4th year of the license.  It was agreed to remove the automatic renewal language from the license.  The Venturas expressed concern about the language relating to termination of the lease; the Board agreed to amend the language so that the Venturas would have the right to harvest any crops planted prior to termination.

Mr. Moak stated that the disclosure statement requires some revision and signature from the Venturas.

On a motion by Mr. McNabb and seconded by Mr. Hallisey, it was unanimously voted to award the agricultural license for the Adamovitch and Homoleski property and to sign the license once the changes have been made as discussed.

OLD/NEW BUSINESS:

Item #1 – Discussion: Cable License, with CATV Advisory Committee: Present from the CATV Advisory Committee were Richard Potts and Mark Walsh.  Mr. Potts explained that at the last meeting the CATV Advisory Committee brought forward an extension agreement.  The agreement was reviewed by Town Counsel and it was determined that DTC would not go along with an extension.  Our options are to continue on until a new agreement is in place, or to sign a short-term agreement.  The advantage to a short-term agreement would be that the terms would be tied to the existing agreement.

Mr. Moak stated he spoke with Town Counsel and he doesn’t have a problem with a one-year renewal, but we must go through the proper procedures.  The Board agreed that a one-year renewal makes sense.  On a motion by Mr. McNabb and seconded by Mr. Hallisey, it was unanimously voted to have the Chairman sign a letter to Charter Communications notifying them of our intent to enter into a one-year renewal of the Town’s cable TV license.

Item #2 – Discussion: Street Light Committee: Mr. Sergi requested this agenda item, as a follow-up to budget discussions.  Mr. Sergi stated that Chief Davis and Peter Shattuck had mentioned that some street lights could be shut off, and suggested that we form a street light committee comprised of the Police Chief, Fire Chief and Highway Superintendent to study and report back to the Board.  The Board agreed to the suggestion.

Item #3 – Discussion: Naming of Covered Bridge: Mr. Sergi requested this agenda item.  Diane Cronin suggested the bridge be named the Prudence Wright Covered Bridge.  Mr. Sergi asked if the Board was ready to move forward with naming the bridge or allow time for public input.  Mr. McNabb stated he would prefer to defer to a later date.

David Pease was present, and stated he understands the bridge will be completed some time in May.

Jeff Sauer, the Town’s webmaster was present.  In response to an inquiry from Mr. Hallisey, Mr. Sauer stated he could put a poll on the website with two choices as well as a comment section.  Mr. Sergi stated he would also like to see the schools involved.  Mr. Hallisey will contact the PTO.

Item #4 – Discussion: Town Administrator Contract and Appointment Clarification/Housekeeping Matters: Pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 41, Section 108N, Mr. Hallisey motioned that the Board of Selectmen authorize an employment contract between the Board of Selectmen, acting on behalf of the Town, and John F. Moak regarding Mr. Moak’s employment as the Town Administrator of the Town of Pepperell for a term of three (3) years.  Mr. McNabb seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.

Pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 41, Section 23A, Mr. Hallisey motioned that the Board of Selectmen appoint John F. Moak as Town Administrator for a three year (3-year) term effective January 4, 2010.  Mr. McNabb seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.

Item #5 – Any other Old/New Business: The Board read aloud and signed a letter to the Greenes to thank them for sponsoring the upcoming Memorial Day Parade.

Mr. Sergi commented that a hearing will be held at the next meeting regarding a license holder who is in arrears on taxes.  The Board will be more mindful of taxes owed and take action when it can.

Mr. McNabb remarked that the budget season is upon us.  The Board requested information in November from North Middlesex regarding union concessions; this has still not been received.  A brief discussion ensued relative to the upcoming budget season, progress of the Finance Team, and goals for the Town Administrator.

EXECUTIVE SESSION: At 7:15 PM, Mr. McNabb moved that the Board of Selectmen enter into an Executive Session for the purpose discussing a possible land acquisition, and to discuss pending legal matters with Town Counsel.  Mr. Hallisey seconded.  Mr. Sergi announced that the Board would return to open session following the executive session, and that Jerome P. Epstein and Kenneth C. Miller from PerryVidex and Town Counsel Edward J. Richardson, would be included in the session.  A roll call vote was taken as follows:

            Joseph Sergi                             Aye

            Patrick McNabb                      Aye

            Joseph Hallisey             Aye

At 8:55 PM the Board voted to exit the executive session and return to open session as noted in the Executive Session minutes of January 11, 2010. 

ADJOURNMENT: On a motion by Mr. McNabb and seconded by Mr. Hallisey, it was unanimously voted to adjourn the meeting at 9:56 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

Peggy Mazzola, Administrative Assistant

 

APPROVED:

 

 

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Joseph A. Sergi, Chairman

 

 

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Patrick J. McNabb, Clerk

 

 

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Joseph Hallisey