PRESENT: Selectmen Patrick J. McNabb, Joseph Hallisey and Joseph A. Sergi, John F. Moak, Town Administrator; Peggy Mazzola, Administrative Assistant
The meeting was called to order at 7:06 PM. Mr. McNabb announced that at the Annual Town Meeting the Board reorganized, naming Patrick McNabb Chairman and Joseph Hallisey Clerk.
ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES: On a motion by Mr. Hallisey and seconded by Mr. Sergi, the minutes of the meetings of April 5, 12, and 24 and May 3-4, 2010 were unanimously approved.
APPROVE WARRANT/SIGN PURCHASE ORDERS: The Board signed the warrants.
PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS: Mr. Hallisey announced that the Fire Department would be holding an event on June 19th at the Knights of Columbus Hall as a fundraiser for the equipment needed for the paramedic upgrade. Tickets are $10 each.
Mr. McNabb stated that he had attended the open house/ribbon cutting for the new apartments renovated by Gary Lorden, and commented that the apartments are spectacular and have really spruced up that area of Main Street.
Mr. McNabb announced that Rep. Robert Hargraves was holding office hours in Town Hall this evening. A brief discussion was had regarding the covered bridge construction and tentative completion date.
APPOINTMENTS/RESIGNATIONS:
Item #1 Joint Appointment NMRSD School Committee: Present were Pepperell members of the NMRSD Committee Arnie Silva and Sue Fitzgerald. Mr. McNabb acknowledged the vacancy was due to the recent resignation of Kathy Low. Letters of interest from were received from James H. Burson, Jr., Stephanie Cronin, Constance Menice and Jonna Clermont. It was noted that Mr. Burson was out of town and unable to attend the meeting. Each of the candidates present spoke relative to their interest in serving on the committee. A question and answer session followed. It was noted that all the candidates qualifications were impressive, and this was a difficult decision. Following a brief discussion, and on a motion by Mr. Hallisey and seconded by Mr. Sergi, it was unanimously voted to place the names of all four candidates in nomination for the position. A roll call vote was taken resulting in Jonna Clermont being unanimously appointed to the NMRSD School Committee, with a term to expire at the April 2011 elections. The Board thanked the other candidates for their interest and for attending the meeting.
Item #2 Resignation Finance Committee: Mr. Hallisey read a letter from Michael Landino announcing his resignation from the Finance Committee effective June 30th. The Board thanked Mr. Landino for his dedication and service on the Finance Committee.
ACTION ITEMS:
Item #1 Discussion Purchase Orders, with Communications Director: Communications Director Frank Quattrochi was present to discuss purchase orders presented to the Board for approval. A lengthy discussion ensued relative to the timing of the purchase orders and the equipment to be purchased. The Board agreed that they would like an annual review of all outstanding warrant articles. On a motion by Mr. Hallisey and seconded by Mr. Sergi, it was unanimously voted to approve Purchase Order #1002 in the amount of $4,470 to Cyber Communications for the purchase of an Exchange C/P Console. On a motion by Mr. Hallisey and seconded by Mr. Sergi, it was unanimously voted to approve Purchase Order #1001 in the amount of $28,395 for the purchase of a Vision-21 Alarm System from L.W. Bills Co.
Item #2 Transfer Requests Town Administrator Budget; Law Department Budget: The Board reviewed two transfer requests from the Town Administrator. On a motion by Mr. Hallisey and seconded by Mr. Sergi, it was unanimously voted to recommend a transfer in the amount of $1,908.96 from Town Administrator Wages Hourly to Town Administrator Salaries, Appointed Positions. On a motion by Mr. Hallisey and seconded by Mr. Sergi, it was unanimously voted to recommend a transfer in the amount of $3,000 from Town Administrator Wages Hourly to Law Department Town Counsel Fees and $2,000 from Town Administrator Wages Hourly to Law Department Consulting Fees.
Item #3 Transfer Request Fire Department Budget: Fire Chief Toby Tyler was present to explain the need for a transfer within the Fire Department budget. Following a brief discussion, and on a motion by Mr. Sergi and seconded by Mr. Hallisey, it was unanimously voted to recommend a transfer in the amount of $6,721 from Fire Department Repairs and Maintenance Vehicles as follows: $800 to Supplies Gas; $1,200 to Supplies Diesel; $3,200 to Parts and Accessories; and $1,521 to Firefighter Supply.
Item #4 Acceptance of Easements Mill Street Bridge Project: The Board reviewed an Order of Taking for easements necessary for the reconstruction of the Mill Street Bridge. Mr. McNabb asked when the project would start. Mr. Shattuck stated he doesnt believe it will start until after the covered bridge is completed. On a motion by Mr. Hallisey and seconded by Mr. Sergi, it was unanimously voted to accept the easements necessary for the reconstruction of the Mill Street Bridge over the Nissitissit River as noted in the attached Order of Taking.
Item #5 Fire Truck Debt Exclusion: Mr. Moak stated that the debt exclusion vote must take place by September 15th; he has spoken to the Town Clerk and he would like to hold the special election before September. We could have the election during the September 14th primary, but it would be on a separate ballot. Discussion ensued relative to the date of the vote and cost involved. Mr. McNabb asked what the Fire Department would do with the old truck. Chief Tyler stated it would either be sold or traded, and that the last vehicle they disposed of was traded for $5,000. Mr. McNabb asked when the Board needed to make a decision on the date. Mr. Sauer stated he will need 35 days, so the earliest the debt exclusion vote could be held would be June 14th. Mr. Moak commented he believed the school department would prefer that we held the special election after school is out, which could be done on the 21st. On a motion by Mr. McNabb and seconded by Mr. Hallisey, it was unanimously voted to hold the special election on the debt exclusion vote for the purchase of the fire truck on either June 21st or June 14th, depending on availability of the school.
OLD/NEW BUSINESS:
Item #1 Discussion: Town Administrator Report: The Board reviewed the Town Administrator report. Mr. Moak stated he will be meeting with the painting contractor for the Town Hall next week. Mr. Hallisey asked if anything would be done to replace the eagle. Mr. Moak stated he believed there is a group researching this.
Item #2 Any other Old/New Business: There was no other business before the Board.
ADJOURNMENT: On a motion by Mr. Hallisey and seconded by Mr. Sergi, it was unanimously voted to adjourn at 8:53 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Peggy Mazzola, Administrative Assistant
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