11 – 27 – 06
At the meeting of the Randolph Board of Selectmen held Monday, November 27, 2006 the following were present: Chairman Richard W. Wells, Vice Chairman and Clerk James F. Burgess, Jr., members William Alexopoulos, Paul K. Fernandes, and Paul J. Connors, Executive Secretary Michael J. Carroll, Town Counsel Paul R. DeRensis, and Administrative Assistant Linda M. Sproules.
Mr. Burgess said the opening prayer and Mr. Fernandes led the Pledge of Allegiance. A moment of silence was held for Ruth Thompson, wife of longtime town physician Dr. Russell Thompson, and Venira “Vera” Connors, mother of Selectman Paul J. Connors, retired Health Director Patricia A. Walker, and grandmother of Firefighter/EMT Patrick J. Connors
Mr. Burgess moved to accept the minutes of 11-13-06. Voted, 5-0.
(Mr. Burgess left to attend the Planning Board meeting.)
Goals and Objectives
Mr. Fernandes suggested to the Board that he would like Randolph to become a model community for the new State government, and that he intends to pursue it. Randolph is a unique, diverse community. Our mission statement is to make Randolph attractive to all. Mr. Fernandes requested that the Board get the resources to fix our schools, and establish and fund town planning/economic development. Mr. Fernandes acknowledged that the Master Plan Implementation Committee has made a great start but that we needed to hire a professional. We should be more inviting to business. Business owners have expressed that some recent changes were exclusionary. Mr. Fernandes said that the Board needed to look to the future and that he did not want to go back to the 80’s. These two issues are the key focus. Mr.
Wells said that Dr. Silverman was trying to form a 12-18 member committee to strategize the future of the schools. The first meeting would be held at the beginning of December. There would be a large meeting scheduled for March. The Supt. is looking for volunteers for the committee. Mr. Fernandes said he was willing to volunteer if he could depend on vigorous support from the Board. Messrs. Connors, Wells, and Alexopoulos committed. (Mr. Burgess was out of the room.) Mr. Wells agreed with the need for a Town Planner. The volunteers work hard and put in a lot of time but more is needed. Mr. Alexopoulos said he had always been in favor of a town planner. He said we needed the funding for the position. Mr. Fernandes said that Mr. Carroll and Mr. Wells should strategize as to how we could fill the position and find the money. The position would end up paying for itself. The person should be a trained
professional. Mr. Connors agreed with both goals but stressed that we also needed to find a way to increase our revenue stream whether it be from wind turbines, or antennas on water towers and that until then it would be difficult. The third goal needed to be revenue stream. Mr. Connors said that hotels pay room taxes. There is room in the Pacella Industrial Park. Mr. Wells said he has had conversations with Cambridge and Chelsea about alternative energy. He would like the Board to authorize Mr. Wells and Mr. Connors to speak to these communities. Mr. Alexopoulos agreed and said he brought this up a few meetings ago. Mr. Fernandes said Randolph could benefit by becoming a model. Mr. Fernandes moved to authorize Mr. Wells and Mr. Connors to talk with other parties about alternative energy. Seconded by Mr. Alexopoulos. Voted, 4-0.
Appointment of Local Building Inspector – Mr. Alexopoulos said he had not had an opportunity to scan the notes on the final interview.
New Business
1) Mr. Alexopoulos voted to withdraw $2,000.00 from the Ellen Bennett Fund for holiday baskets. Voted, 4-0.
2) Master Plan Implementation Committee advising that Barry Fellman has resigned from that committee. Volunteers needed. Also, a request from MPIC member Michelle Tyler to appoint J.P. Fine to the Crawford Square Design Committee replacing Barry Budwit who recently resigned. Mr. Alexopoulos moved to approve J.P. Fine. Seconded by Mr. Connors. Voted, 4-0.
3) Mr. Alexopoulos moved to allow common victualler (food only) service on New Year’s eve until 3 a.m. (no liquor). Voted, 4-0.
Public Comments None
Correspondence
1) Local 1268 requesting a meeting on Step 2 of the grievance. Mr. Carroll recommended this for the meeting of Dec. 11th. Mr. Connors asked if anyone had asked the IAFF for an extension. Letter to be sent asking for extension to Dec. 11th.
2) Letter from Michelle Tyler re: appt. was read earlier.
3) Letter from Chamber of Commerce – holiday toll road was a great success with help from several department heads & employees.
4) Email from Juan Carlos Serna regarding Mr. Fellman’s resignation. Seek volunteers for MPIC.
5) Invitation to D.A.V. Pearl Harbor Day breakfast – Dec. 10th.
Report of the Executive Secretary
Presented the Board with Treasurer’s notes for a borrowing - $825,000 BAN and for water main improvements and design as authorized by past town meetings. Mr. Connors moved to approve. Seconded by Mr. Alexopoulos. Voted, 5-0. Notes were signed.
Improvements requested by Mr. Connors were completed. The balance of the project was to do work at the Center/South Streets intersection. Advantage Construction gave Mr. Carroll a check for the remaining amount - $47,000. Mr. Carroll recommended accepting the gift for a special account. Mr. Alexopoulos moved to accept the gift. Seconded by Mr. Connors who said the money is earmarked for the Center/South intersection and a small amount for a second lining and striping in the center, and crosswalks infilling, in the spring. Funds to be expended under the direction of the Board of Selectmen. Voted, 5-0.
Received a letter from Personnel regarding the recruitment of a Local Building Inspector. An additional interview was done on 11-13-06. Mr. Burgess moved to appoint George Fabrizio. Seconded by PJC who said that the names are usually put on the board. Mr. Fernandes asked if the committee has changed its recommendation. Mr. Lane and Mr. Carroll interviewed Mr. Fabrizio because Ms. McNeil was on vacation. She is aware that the interview took place. The candidates’ names were put on the board:
Coburn: ---
Barry: ---
Nichols: ---
Foley: ---
Fabrizio: Connors, Burgess, Wells
Beaulieu: Alexopoulos, Fernandes
George Fabrizio was appointed subject to his successfully passing the required physical and neuropsychiatric exams. Personnel will go forward.
Received a letter from Environmental Protection Agency advising that the Board of Health was awarded a Municipal Waste Reduction Grant in the amount of $4,143.00. Mr. Burgess moved to accept. Seconded by Mr. Connors. Voted, 5-0.
Letter re: holiday stroll and lighting ceremony to be put on cable and web site.
Notice from Comcast advising of upcoming changes in some digital packages. All customers are being notified.
Liaison reports;
Mr. Wells said the Board of Recreation received letter from Richard Sass asking to be appointed. They need members. Mr. Alexopoulos moved to appoint Richard Sass. Seconded by Mr. Connors. Voted, 5-0. Mr. Fernandes asked if there are any more vacancies. Affirmative.
Police Chief, Fire Chief, and Board of Health to be requested to investigate unregistered vehicles, boats, and junk at 19 Soren Street. Also investigate 7 Young Terrace again. Mr. Wells said the Soren Street property could also be viewed from Upham Street.
Mr. Connors said the street light on Dow Street is still out. On North Main Street from Russ Street to the center there are about 18-20 lights out. In the area of Randolph Insurance, Zeppy’s, and Conrad’s house there are 4 lights in a row out. There are at least three on North Street and South Main Street. Suggested deducting $100 per light from the monthly bill. They have not been fixing them.
Mr. Connors said that Verizon has done nothing with the five poles on Union Street. Fifteen poles have to be removed from South Main Street. Mr. Fernandes asked if the Board could authorize the Executive Secretary to withhold payment. We should not pay for something we are not getting.
Government Reorganization Committee requested a meeting about a possible land purchase on December 11th.
Mr. Carroll requested an executive session pursuant to MGL, Ch. 39, s. 23B(3) for litigation purposes. Roll call vote: Fernandes-yes, Burgess-yes, Alexopoulos-yes, Connors-yes, Wells-yes. Voted, 5-0. Board will not reconvene.
Meeting adjourned at 8:02 p.m.
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CLERK OF THE BOARD
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