BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MAY 27, 2009
MINUTES
MEETING: The meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM by Selectman Sheppard. Roll call showed that Sheppard,
Sushchyk and newly elected Selectman Philpot were present.
Selectman Sheppard welcomed Selectman Philpot as the new member of the Board.
AGENDA: Selectman Sushchyk made the motion to approve the agenda adding two new items. 2nd by Selectman Philpot. All in favor.
MINUTES: Selectman Sushchyk made the motion to approve the minutes of April 29, 2009. 2nd by Selectman
Sheppard.
OLD BUSINESS:
TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S
FOLLOW-UP: Ms. Ackerman updated the Board on the state aid and where the town presently stands. Numbers are still not firm but the town is anticipating a reduction of another $50,000 from state aid.
Ms. Ackerman has completed her Professional Development Plan and is now working on next year’s plan.
The Department of Public Works has won the bid protest and Superintendent Tuttle has formed a plan for the debris clean-up to start the week of June 8, 2009. It will take approximately 4-5 weeks to complete the clean-up project. The DPW did a great job pursuing the low-cost debris removal contract and the Board expresses their appreciation for a job well done. Selectman Sushchyk asked about the protocol for the clean-up and asked that once the protocol is set it be published on the web and in the paper.
7:15 PM
CHIEF CHAMBERLAND
MONTHLY REPORT: Chief Chamberland requested that the Board of Selectmen appoint Debra Goodsell as a matron/cell monitor, stating that she is a matron in two other towns and has completed the training class on the duties of matron. Selectman Sheppard made the motion to appoint Debra Goodsell as a matron for Sterling. 2nd by Selectman Sushchyk. The Chief responded to Selectman Philpot’s question by stating the Town has different job requirements for Matrons which is why she has undergone additional training at the Town’s expense. All in favor.
The Chief proceeded to review the monthly report for April 2009. There was some discussion regarding traffic data on Chocksett Road and the progress on the roundabout. The Board questioned Chief Chamberland about the idea of a regionalized dispatch and the inner workings on such a project. Chief Chamberland explained that a grant is being prepared and will be submitted to hire a consultant /planner.
Selectman Philpot asked that the news people promote the child safety seat installation clinic to be held on June 27th at the Sterling Police Department.
Chief Chamberland then explained his concerns with future parades and the cost in overtime that has traditionally been paid out of community policing funds. In FY10these funds will be eliminated, which in turn creates problems with the future parades and activities held within the town that have been supported by the community policing funds in the past. Roland Nelson, veteran’s agent, asked when the town would know if the cuts need to be made so that he can plan for the future. Selectman Philpot asked if money could be earmarked for such events as the Memorial Day parade and the Veteran’s Day parade, stating that we owe the Veteran’s a debt of service and should do everything possible to honor their past commitment to us and our
Nation. Ms. Ackerman and the Chief will revisit the budget, break out the cost for each event and then have a meeting with Roland Nelson.
7:40 PM
TIM HARRISON
AUDITOR: Tim Harrison, the auditor from Borgatti & Harrison met with the Board of Selectmen to review the audit Mr. Harrison did for the town. He informed the Board that the Department Heads have done a great job in preparing for the audit. He praised the Departments, the Finance Committee and the Board for the financial position Sterling is in. Selectman Philpot stated that being said, the taxpayers should not be overlooked, as it is their tax money the town is managing and they have supported the budget requests and advice of our Finance Committee over the years.
Mr. Harrison proceeded by reviewing the management letters, pointing out some minor areas that could be strengthened within the DPW. He continued to say that these are recommendations that would only benefit the town and strengthen control, removing potential problems. In response to Selectman Philpot he confirmed they have not identified any actual problems and re-stated their suggestions are only to eliminate the potential for problems to occur.
Selectman Sushchyk made the motion to accept the audit report submitted by Borgatti & Harrison Co., 2nd by Selectman Philpot. Selectman Philpot asked if there was a way to convey the recommendations of the management letter to the DPW Board since they too are an elected board and the BOS cannot dictate to them. Selectman Sushchyk suggested a joint meeting with the two boards.
Selectman Sushchyk made a motion that the financial statement be published on the web, 2nd by Selectman Philpot. All in favor.
NEW HOURS FOR
TOWN HALL: The Board met with Melanie Clark, Town Clerk, to address her request for a change of hours. She requested that they eliminate the Wednesday night hours as her schedule has changed and little business is being done on Wednesday nights. Selectman Philpot made the motion to change the Butterick Building hours for all departments, Town Clerk and Collector/Treasurer to 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Thursday and 7:30 AM to 11:30 AM on Fridays. 2nd by Selectman Sushchyk. All in favor.
3 GATES TERRACE: Robert Protano, the successful bidder of the 3 Gates Terrace, met with the Board of Selectmen to request permission to access the property to perc the property. He added that some small trees may have to be taken down, and he may need to move a dirt pile located on the property. Mr. Protano added that if the land does not perc he will pull out of the contract, ask for his deposit back, but was willing to leave a $1000 on the table to work with the town on knocking down the house and the shed.
Selectman Philpot made the motion to grant permission for Mr. Protano to access the land. Selectman Sushchyk seconded the motion subject to Mr. Protano restoring the land back to its original state, filling the holes back up, and holding the town harmless. All in favor.
PROPERTY/LIABILITY
INSURANCE BID: Ms. Ackerman informed the Board that the insurance went out to bid and there were three quotes. Charles Winn from MIIA and Larry Joseph from Mega/Metrogard both bid and were present. MIIA was the lowest bidder with $77,536.00.
Selectman Philpot asked questions of each representative; insurance changes, turn around on claims and the number of communities each represented?
Selectman Sheppard reported that Larry Joseph from Mega was already in place and has done a great job. He stated that MIIA already has the health insurance and felt the town should stay with Mr. Joseph with property/liability. Mr. Philpot disagreed, stating that there is a bid process to follow and that MIIA came in with the lowest number.
Selectman Sushchyk made the motion to go with MIIA at $77,536, 2nd by Selectman Philpot. Two in favor, one against.
GOVERNMENT
STUDY COMMITTEE: Ms. Stidsen asked why this is being done again when in fact it was done at the May 14, 2001 meeting, article #15. The Board did not have the answer.
Ms. Roberti asked about the amendment to the article relating to the members. She was informed that the committee was to consist of one former selectman, one present finance member and 5 members at large.
GOAL SETTING: It was determined that Ms. Ackerman would prepare a hand out for the Board listing the goals, those being worked on and those completed so that the Board can prepare for the annual goal setting meeting for this year. The goal setting will be held the beginning of August, meeting to start at 6:00 PM.
NEW BUSINESS
NATIONAL EMERGENCY
MEDICAL SERVICES
WEEK: The Board of Selectmen acknowledged National Emergency Medical Services Week, May 17th to 23rd, 2009. The Board thanked those individuals who serve our community on a daily basis.
HEALTH INSURANCE
RETIRE CONTRIBUTIONS:
The Board discussed the contributions for FY10 to the health insurance. The Board previously voted that town employees would now pay 20% of their premium, (20/80), changed from the 10/90 contribution for FY10. The Board needed to clarity the contributions that the retirees would now pay. After some discussion the Board decided that the retirees presently paying 10/90 would continue to do so until the age of 65, those who retire after July 1, 2009 will pay 20/80 towards their insurance. Selectman Sushchyk made the motion that those who retire after July 1, 2009 will pay 20% of their premium, 2nd by Selectman Philpot. All in favor.
EXECUTIVE
SESSION MINUTES: Selectman Sushchyk made the motion to release the executive session minutes relating to the collective bargaining for the DPW and the Executive Assistants. 2nd by Selectman Philpot. All in favor.
CAR WASH: Selectman Philpot made the motion to approve the car wash request for the Wachusett Storm swim team for June 20th. 2nd by Selectman Sushchyk. All in favor.
Selectman Sushchyk made the motion to approve the car wash request for the Girl Scouts for June 6th or 13th. 2nd by Selectman Philpot. All in favor.
ANTIQUE AND
2ND HAND DEALERS
LICENSES: Selectman Sushchyk made the motion to approve the Antique and 2nd Hand Dealer’s licenses for M.T. Pockets, Deacon’s Bench Antiques, Heritage Antiques, “Oh My Gosh”, and Sterling Rare Coin Inc. Pratt’s Junction, Antique Heirloom. 2nd by Selectman Philpot. All in favor.
CLASS II CAR DEALERS
LICENSE: The Board reviewed the request for the Class II Car Dealer’s License for Jeramie Barrett. The location for the license was listed for 38 Main Street which is not zoned for a dealer’s license. The Board is requesting that Mr. Barrett attend their next meeting to answer questions before they approve a dealer’s license.
ONE DAY LIQUOR
LICENSE: Selectman Sushchyk made the motion to approve the one day liquor license for June 6, 2009 for a birthday party from 4:00 pm to 12 midnight at the Eight Point Sportsmen’s Club. 2nd by Selectman Philpot. All in favor.
GAZEBO USE: Selectman Philpot made the motion to approve the use of the Gazebo for July 18, 2009 for a concert as requested by Judy Janda, Recreation Director. 2nd by Selectman Sushchyk. All in favor.
BUILDING NEEDS
UTILIZATION
COMMITTEE: Selectman Philpot requested that there be a joint meeting between the two boards so that everyone can get answers to questions to everyone’s understanding and satisfaction regarding the “Special Municipal Employees” and the future of the BNUC within the town. Ms. Ackerman will consolidate all the questions from the members of the BNUC and set up a meeting for June 10, 2009.
RESIGNATION OF
WRSD COMMITTEE
MEMBER: The Board acknowledges the resignation of Marcie Zaharee from the WRSD school committee and asked that the opening be placed on the web site, asking those interested to submit their names.
SCHOLARSHIP
AWARDS: The Board set June 24, 2009 for the Maria Houghton and Jacob Conant scholarship awards. Mr. Larry Pape and Mr.Vern Gaw will be notified of the date so that they can check their schedule for availability.
RE-ORGANIZATION
OF THE BOARD: Selectman Sheppard made the motion for Selectman Sushchyk to be the Chair, Sheppard the Vice-chair and Philpot the clerk. 2nd by Selectman Philpot. All in favor.
BUNTING REQUEST: Selectman Sushchyk made the motion to approve the request to have the buntings hung at the 1835 Town Hall for preparation for the 4th of July. 2nd by Selectman Philpot. All in favor.
10:06 PM
EXECUTIVE SESSION: Selectman Sheppard made the motion to move into Executive Session in accordance with MGL Chapter 39, S.23B – Litigation, not to return to open session except to adjourn. 2nd by Selectman Sushchyk.
Roll call: Philpot Aye
Sheppard Aye
Sushchyk Aye
All in favor.
ADJOURNMENT: Retiring from Executive Session Selectman Sheppard made the motion to adjourn at 10:17 PM. 2nd by Selectman Philpot. All in favor.
RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED
RUSSELL R. PHILPOT
CLERK
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