BOS-02-25-03

Source page 1

BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES
FEBRUARY 25, 2003
MEMORIAL HALL
Present: John Connolly, Chairman; Victor D. Del Vecchio, Vice-Chairman; Avril T.
Elkort, Clerk; William T. Friel, Town Executive Secretary, and Christina A. Carlton,
Secretary.
Chairman Connolly called the meeting to order at 7:03 P.M.
Mr. Connolly requested a moment of silence in memory of Hayward Sullivan, John
Judge and Jeanne Costanza, all of whom passed away this week.
Mrs. Elkort noted that she had arranged grief counseling by Doug Spence on Wednesday
morning for any staff members who needs his services.
The Board then opened the process of interviewing all semi finalists for the Position of
Town Counsel. Mr. Del Vecchio provided an overview of the process and the Boards
intentions.
TOWN COUNSEL CANDIDATES
Gelerman Buschmann &Nichols P.C.
Richard Gelerman introduced Attorney Lisa Whelan, his associate, and then provided a
brief presentation of their firm as requested by Mr. Del Vecchio.
Attorney Gelerman has been in practice since 1969. He has been Town Counsel in
Foxboro continuously since 1978 and in Sharon since 1988. His firm has served as
Special Town Counsel in Mansfield, Westwood, Wrentham and Sudbury. There are
eight associates in the practice, three of who specialize, in municipal law.
Attorney Gelerman believes his firm offers good proximity to Canton, the benefit of his
25 years of experience and wisdom in the municipal area. He noted that he tries to
emphasize dealing with legal counsel early to keep his clients out of court; he is cost
competitive; and able to be responsive to their clients, as they are not overburdened with
too many clients.
Mrs. Elkort asked about the firm's experience with 40B project issues. Attorney Lisa
Whelan handles most zoning and planning issues, and Attorney Gelerman has lectured
and has published information on 40B.
Mr. Del Vecchio asked if their firm provides labor counsel as well. The firm does not
provide labor counsel but refers such cases to another 1oca1 attorney.