The Board of Selectmen convened their meeting at 7:03 PM, as Chairman McNabb called the meeting to order. All Selectmen were present.
Warrants/Purchase Orders:
First order of business was a request from Fire Chief Tyler for the approval of a purchase order in the amount of $160,624.00 for the purpose of purchasing SCBA equipment through a FEMA Homeland Security Grant.
Motion to approve was made by Selectman Hallisey, seconded by Selectman Sergi. Chief Tyler was asked if pricing was reviewed outside the State contract; he replied in the affirmative and the state bid price was lower. Motion passed with a unanimous vote.
Appointments/Resignations:
Item #1 – Parking Clerk Appointment: The appointment of Heather Ganley as Parking Clerk to replace the retiring Cathy Forrest was submitted. Selectman Hallisey moved for approval, seconded by Selectman Sergi. The selectmen asked when the appointment would be effective. The Board of Selectmen approved the appointment unanimously with a start date of August 5, 2010.
Action items:
Item #1: Waiver of hiring freeze for Conservation Commission Agent: Chairman McNabb asked the Conservation Commission to present information regarding the hiring of a replacement for the retiring agent, Ellen Fisher.
The Conservation Commission chairman, Bob Elliot along with his fellow Commissioners explained the process the board used to reach the need for a new hire in this office. They considered consulting, combining jobs and less hours for the new hire. They expressed the need for an agent close to the number of hours presently worked, the high level of skills and education they were seeking, and the high cost of consultants as an alternative.
They presented the need for a continued good process which in its absence can cause higher costs. The Commissioners also explained the revenue sources they have established through grants with the help of the agent.
Chairman McNabb thanked the Commissioners for answering the Board’s questions regarding reviewing options, looking at the cost, and determining the appropriate hours of service needed. Selectmen Hallisey and Sergi warned the Commission that we could be facing budgetary cuts in FY 2012 and one cannot know what is coming at us for FY 2012.
Selectman Hallisey moved to waive the hiring freeze to allow for the replacement of our present Conservation Commission Agent Ellen Fisher. Selectman Sergi seconded and it was so voted unanimously.
Item #2: Discussion – Contract for Cable License Legal Services: Richard Potts, Chairperson of the Cable TV Advisory Committee, spoke about the progress of the cable license renewal with Charter Communication. He indicated the committee was not satisfied with the responses they have received about an interconnection with the cable provider at the NMRHS. This is an area of immediate concern and one that the committee along with Bill August, Pepperell’s legal counsel on the cable license, and Town Administrator is working with Townsend municipal staff to rectify. Institutional networking was also identified as an important aspect of cable service and the lack of this service availability to date. Chairperson Potts also spoke of the importance of public access cable casts.
Mr. Potts also spoke about the selection of our attorney and asked the selectmen to approve the contract so that Attorney August can begin negotiating with Charter on our new contract.
Chairman McNabb suggested that we have Charter visit the Board of Selectmen to address the issues presented by the Cable Advisory Committee.
Selectman Hallisey moved to approve the contract with William August, of Epstein and August as the Town’s Attorney to negotiate a cable license. Motion seconded by Selectmen Sergi and was so voted unanimously.
Item #3: Discussion – NMRSD Budget: Selectman Sergi requested that the board approve a letter submitted in the agenda addressed to the NMRSD School Committee regarding budget concerns and capital planning. The letter outlined FY 2012 budget challenges, any new school debt, where the savings for this year were reflected in the operation and what changes were implemented, and concern for the level of staffing at the Varnum Brook School.
Chairman McNabb thanked Selectman Sergi for composing this letter, and reiterated that the selectmen were already working on the revenue and cost projection for FY 2012. Selectmen Hallisey stressed the need to stay out in front on the budget process.
Selectman Hallisey moved to approve and distribute letter, seconded by Selectman Sergi. Board approved motion unanimously.
Old/New Business:
Item #1: Any other old/new business: Discussion arose among Selectmen as to the responsibility of the Town for the new covered bridge and how the Town would handle any major problems considering the financial state of the Town. Selectmen discontinued this discussion until reports came from the State on conditions of acceptance.
Selectman asked Town Administrator to investigate the process of asking National Grid to move power substation from its present location adjacent to the covered bridge. Communication to the Town has indicated that the bridge may open to the public on Friday, July 30, 2010, not yet confirmed.
ADJOURNMENT: Selectman Hallisey moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Selectman Sergi. Motion approved. Meeting adjourned at 7:52PM.
APPROVED:
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Patrick J. McNabb, Chairman
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Joseph M. Hallisey III, Clerk
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Joseph A. Sergi