Canton, Massachusetts · Saved source text
BOS minutes 01-29-15
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Source page 1
Minutes Board of Selectmen January 29, 2015 Memorial Hall - Salah Meeting Room Present: Victor D. Del Vecchio, Chairman, Avril Elkort, Vice-Chairman, John J. Connolly, Clerk, Robert E. Burr, Jr., Member, Gerald A. Salvatori, Jr., Member, William T. Friel, Town Administrator, Jennifer Bright, Administrative Secretary. Meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. Attorney Paul Schneiders and Michael Schaus, a representative of Cornerstone, made a presentation to the Board regarding proposed signage that Cornerstone would like to put on Town property. He explained that they had been before the Zoning Board but that because it's on Town property, Board of Selectmen approval was required. Motion was made to approve the request for the use of Town land for the display of the Cornerstone signs contingent upon the fact that Cornerstone would be solely responsible for the maintenance, upkeep and installation of the signs. Motion: Mr. Connolly Second: Ms. Elkort Vote: 5-0 Attorney Paul Schneiders and Howard Neft of Boston Mutual, made a presentation to the Board on Boston Mutual Hotel Zoning Articles for 2015 Annual Town Meeting. They described the articles that were in the warrant for Annual Town Meeting 2015. The potential hotel was described as being 91,000 square feet with 150 rooms and a restaurant. Attorney Schneiders provided the Board with the amounts of additional tax that the Town could enjoy. It was also noted that all of the neighboring businesses were in favor of the hotel. The Board thanked Mr. Neft and Attorney Schneiders for their presentation. It was noted that the Board would render its decision on all of the articles of Annual Town Meeting at a future meeting. Municipal department heads had been invited to give presentations on any operating budget requests they had which would increase their current FY15 operating budget for FY16. Ken Berkowitz, Police Chief, noted that he was requesting an additional $79,892 in the operating budget to cover an increase in salaries and expenses. He provided a detail listing and explained each. Fire Chief Charlie Doody requested $167,954 increase in the Fire Department's operating budget for promoting 4 firefighters to lieutenants, an increase in over time, holiday pay and vacation buyback, vehicle maintenance, uniforms and turnout gear and to implement and train new Community Emergency response team. The Police and Fire Chiefs gave a presentation on combining Police and Fire dispatch. It was noted that central dispatch with civilian dispatchers (CD) is a more efficient than the current dispatch. It allows for quicker response times and frees up personnel who are otherwise stationed at the phones and noted CD are an emerging profession and specialized skills are needed to comply with evolving state requirements. The Chiefs noted that it would cost about $540,000 to set it up initially and then annually an additional $412,000 in operations.
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Mark Lague, Library Director, requested an additional $12,000 in salaries, $10,000 in books and materials and $12,000 in utilities for the Library's operating budget. Council on Aging Director Diane Tynan, requested of the board that her operating budget be increased by $8,000 for utilities, $20,000 for custodial services (either a part time employee to be shared with recreation, or using an outside agency) and $37,000 for a new position (Program Activities Coordinator). It was noted that the new Senior Center was projected to open in February weather dependant. Karen Zukauskas, Director of Assessing, requested a $9,000 increase in her operating budget for a 20 year 5% step raise for herself, a salary increase because of a reclassification of the technician position and an upgrade to the software license. Tracy Kenney, Town Clerk, requested an increase in the operating budget for a 2 1/2 % salary increase for Town Clerk salary and an increase in the Election Workers salary due to increase in minimum wage requirements. Janet Maguire, Recreation Director, was requesting an increase in the operating budget to cover an increase in salary for playground help, overtime salaries, summer maintenance salaries, custodial services (possibly being split with the Council on Aging), increase in cost of electricity, pool and playground repair and office supplies. Jody Middleton, Human Resources Administrator, requested a modest increase of $1500 in the operating budget for office supplies, trainings, and meetings, and also for an increase in some memberships and dues. The Board thanked the Department heads for their presentations and took the information under advisement. Action Items/New Business Special Town Meeting discussion There was a brief discussion concerning holding a Special Town Meeting during Annual Town Meeting to discuss very important zoning changes for the Plymouth Rubber site. The Board will take it under consideration and vote at the next meeting. Motion was made to approve the application to obtain a (special) license to serve alcoholic beverages at a one day event to be held at Trinity Episcopal Church, One Blue Hill River Road on Saturday, February 14, 2015 at 6:00 p.m. until Sunday February 15, 2015 at 12:30 a.m. contingent upon Fire Chief and Building Commissioner approval. Motion: Mr. Salvatori Second: Ms. Elkort Vote: 5-0 Motion was made to appoint Lorraine Brooks as Children's Librarian Associate. Motion: Mr. Salvatori Second: Ms. Elkort Vote: 5-0