PRESENT:     Selectmen Patrick J. McNabb, and Joseph Hallisey; John Moak, Town Administrator

In the absence of Chairman Joseph Sergi, Patrick McNabb called the meeting to order at 7:06 PM.  (Due to recording equipment missing from the conference room the meeting was not able to be broadcast over cable television.)

ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES: Selectmen Hallisey moved that the minutes to February 8, 18, and 24 be approved as submitted to the Board; executive session minutes of the meeting of February 24, 2010 will not be released to the public until the matter is resolved.   Motion seconded by Mr. McNabb and so voted.

APPROVE WARRANT/SIGN PURCHASE ORDERS: Warrants were distributed and signed.  No Purchase Orders were presented.

PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS: Mr. McNabb congratulated Chief Davis on his retirement and expressed the appreciation of the community and the selectmen for the years of conscientious service and dedication to the public safety of the citizens of the Town of Pepperell.

Selectmen Hallisey read a resolution commending Taylor Sleczkowski for his achievement of earning the highest Scouting honor of Eagle Scout. Selectmen McNabb asked that this resolution be reread at the next meeting to give proper recognition to Taylor Slecskowski when the meeting will be broadcast over cable television.

Sara Walkovich introduced herself to the Board of Selectmen. Ms. Walkovich is the new Assistant to Rep. Robert Hargraves.

ACTION ITEMS:

Item #1 – Licensing Authority – One Day Liquor License, Community Church of Pepperell: The Selectmen opened discussion on the request of the Community Church of Pepperell to obtain a One-day liquor license for a fund raising event at the church on April 10, 2010 entitled, “Italian Night: Spaghetti Supper and Fashion Show.”

Mr. & Mrs. McCulley, organizers of the event spoke on the event and answered questions from the Selectmen. Motion made by Mr. Hallisey to approve a one-day liquor license and waive the fee for non-profit organization was seconded by Mr. McNabb and so voted.

Item #2 – Discussion: Request for waiver of hiring freeze, by Lois Libby, Town Clerk: Lois Libby, Town Clerk presented a request to the Selectmen for an appeal of the hiring freeze policy to allow more hours for the clerical position in the Town Clerks office. Mrs. Libby sited a new Town Clerk will be elected at the end of April and there will be a need for training of the new Town Clerk. Mrs. Libby also stated that the additional hours were needed to accomplish tasks related to standard operations of the office. Mrs. Libby stated that she is disappointed in the level of service the office can presently provide. Mrs. Libby presented budget figures indicating a budget of the Town Clerk as reflected by a new town Clerk’s starting salary. The Selectmen stated they needed more time to analyze this request and would bring this request back to the Board at the next scheduled meeting.

Item #3 – Discussion: Town Report Dedication: This item was tabled until a full board is present.

Item #4 – Discussion: vote intent to lay out Beaver Creek Circle: Mr. Hallisey moved that the Selectmen vote to express their intent to layout Beaver Creek Circle as a public way and that a public hearing be held on April 12, 2010 for this matter.  Motion seconded by Mr. McNabb and so voted.

OLD/NEW BUSINESS:

Item #1 – Discussion: Cable TV License hearing date: Mr. Hallisey moved that a public hearing on the short-term license renewal with Charter Communication be held on April12, 2010.  Motion seconded by Mr. McNabb and so voted.

Item #2 – Discussion: FY ’10 year-end projections and FY ’11 budget: Mr. McNabb asked that the TA and the Town Accountant present a report at the next Selectmen’s meeting on the forecasts of revenue for FY 2011.  He also asked for an update on FY 2010 spending from the departments.  TA John Moak stated that by the end of April an accurate understanding of all government accounts will be presented to the Selectmen.

Selectmen also discussed meeting with Fin Com on developing a strategy on funding this year’s municipal budget.  Mr. Hallisey reported on Fincom progress on budget, they have reviewed most of the large departments and continue to review each line item of the budgets presented by department heads. Mr. McNabb requested that TA Moak present an updated financial report of FY 2011 funding at the next BOS meeting.

Discussion followed regarding the school budget.  Mr. Moak stated that the town was still using the figures presented by the school administration at the February 22, 2010 public information meeting on the NMRSD budget.

Item #3 – Discussion: Old warrant articles: The Selectmen asked about the balances in the previous town meeting articles which remain on the books. Mr. McNabb cautioned on last minute use of these accounts for the purpose of spending down the funds. TA Moak stated that Town Accountant Tom Wilson had a request out to the department heads regarding these balances and would report at the next meeting.

Item #4 – Town Administrator Report: The Board reviewed the Town Administrator’s report.

Item #5 – Discussion: naming covered bridge: Mr. McNabb led a discussion on the possibility of placing on the Town Election Ballot a non-binding question to allow the voters to choose the name of the newly constructed Covered Bridge.  Diane Cronin, a Pepperell citizen spoke on the matter and favored the ballot question.  Mr. McNabb asked TA John Moak to work with the Town Clerk on the logistics of placing this question on the ballot for April 26, 2010.

Item #6 – Any other Old/New Business: Due to conflict of Selectmen schedules a motion was made by Mr.Hallisey and seconded by Mr. McNabb to reschedule the next regular BOS meeting for March 29, 2010. So voted.

Mr. Hallisey moved to hold a special BOS meeting on March 15, 21010, 7:00 PM for the purpose of discussing contract with Lt. David Scott regarding his role as Police Chief.

Mr. McNabb seconded the motion and it was so voted.

ADJOURNMENT: On a motion by Mr. Hallisey and seconded by Mr. McNabb, it was unanimously voted to adjourn at 8:47 PM. 

APPROVED:

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Joseph A. Sergi, Chairman

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Patrick J. McNabb, Clerk

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Joseph Hallisey