BOS minutes 01-19-16

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Minutes
Board of Selectmen
January 19, 2016
Memorial Hall - Salah Meeting Room
Present: Present: John J. Connolly, Chairman, Robert E. Burr Jr., Vice-Chairman, Kevin T. Feeney, Clerk
Victor D. Del Vecchio, Member, Mark J. Porter, Member, William T. Friel, Town Administrator, Jennifer
Kemalian, Administrative Secretary.
The meeting was called to order at 7:05 p.m.
A moment of silence was held in honor of Mr. Pinheiro, DPW Town Employee Tony Pinheiro's father,
who recently passed away.
Motion was made to approve the application for a Change of Manager and New Officers and Directors
for the American Legion Edward J. Beatty Post #24 Inc., 950 R Washington Street to Julie Wedge,
Manager. It was noted that the application was complete and favorable action was being
recommended.
Motion: Mr. Feeney Second: Mr. Burr Vote: 5-0
Fire Chief Charlie Doody was before that Board to present an update on some Fire Department related
topics including Ambulance Rates, Master Box Conversion and Finance Committee for Transfer Engine 2
repairs. Chief Doody explained that he was seeking Board of Selectmen approval to increase the
a mbulance rates from medicare plus 50% to medicare plus 200%o to generate revenue for programs
(such as central dispatch). He noted that Canton rates are currently lower than most surrounding
comparable Towns and this increase would bring Canton in line.
Mr. Porter expressed his view on the matter. He felt that in the long run, decisions like this globally
would contribute to the rise in cost of insurance due to higher costs paid out by insurance companies.
Motion was made to approve the request to increase the ambulance rates to medicare plus 200%.
Motion: Mr. Feeney Second: Mr. Burr Vote: 4-1 (Mr. Porter)
Chief Doody made the Board aware that the master box conversion to radio system is in its final stage.
The transition is now required for private companies. The private companies have the option to do it
and if they choose to, it will be done in two years. He issued a letter to the private companies explaining
this.
Chief Doody explained also that he was seeking a reserve fund transfer of $47,000 to fix Engine 2. It was
determined during routine maintenance that the engine was in need of repair immediately for safety.
Motion was made to approve the Finance Committee reserve fund transfer of $47,000 for the Canton
Fire Department for the repair of Engine 2.
Motion: Mr. Feeney Second: Mr. Burr Vote: 5-0