12 – 11 – 06
At the meeting of the Randolph Board of Selectmen held Monday, December 11, 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, and Administrative Assistant Linda M. Sproules.
Mr. Connors said the opening prayer, and Mr. Burgess led the Pledge of Allegiance.
A moment of silence was held for retired Police Officer Harry Eaton, father of Firefighter Bruce Eaton.
Mr. Alexopoulos moved to accept the minutes of 11/27/06. Voted, 5-0.
Correspondence
1) Letter received from Police Chief Porter praising Scott Whynot for his assistance in tracking the type of vehicle used in the recent hit and run of Shirley Sutton. Mr. Burgess moved that the Board send a letter to Scott Whynot. Seconded by Mr. Alexopoulos. Voted, 5-0.
2) Copy of a letter to the Executive Secretary from Irene Romano disclosing to the ZBA’s appointing authority (BOS) that she is the mother-in-law of Building Commissioner Mary McNeil, and that she believed she would not be acting in a bias fashion at the ZBA hearing. Mr. Carroll said he only advised her on the possible appearance of a conflict so she contacted the Ethics Commission.
3) Received a notice that Randolph Savings Bank and the Randolph Chamber of Commerce have established the Ray Van Tassel Recovery Fund.
Hearing – National Grid – Request for pole relocation on Crowley Drive
This is for overhead work only – to raise the wires. Mr. Connors said that he did not plan on voting for anything for National Grid until the person most responsible comes before the Board. They have not completed the removing of the double poles; they start work before permits are granted; and their lack of respect and professionalism. Mr. Connors, at the last meeting, said there were over 20 street lights out and that many are clustered together. Key locations, like Sudbury Farms and D’Angelo’s, and Station 2 in North Randolph have 2-4 lights in a row that are not working. North Main Street at Soren St., Stacy St., and Hills St. are out. These have been requested by phone and email. Mr. Connors advised the National Grid representative to convey it back to National Grid. Mr.
Connors moved to deny the request of National Grid for a pole relocation. Seconded by Mr. Burgess. Voted, 5-0. Mr. Connors said he wanted to hear from Steve Hall and higher.
4) Received a letter from Local #877 IUOE praising the response of the Fire Department, the Police Department, and DPW Superintendent David Zecchini’s steady leadership.
5) Received a letter of resignation from Council on Aging member Robert Porter due to illness. Board voted, 5-0 to accept his resignation with regret and send a letter of thanks.
6) Received a letter from the MWRA regarding cuts in the rate relief fund. Mr. Burgess moved to go on record and advise our Representatives and Senator that we feel a cut in the ’07 rate relief would be burdensome for the town and surrounding communities. Town Meeting member Joe Burke said the cuts haven’t been restored yet but they would consider it in January. Voted, 5-0.
7) Received a copy of a letter from the Board of Health to the Executive Secretary inviting him to their meeting on Dec. 11th, later changed to 12/18. Mr. Carroll said they invited him to their meeting when they will talk about solid waste so that he can hear their position. Mr. McVeigh wasn’t clear.
Requests
Showcase Cinema request to hold a late night showing on 12/25 midnight start to 3:00 a.m. stop. They will have the same Police coverage as a Saturday night. Mr. Connors moved to approve. Seconded by Mr. Alexopoulos. Voted, 5-0.
Letter received from Elder Affairs Director Rena Baker advising that Ernie Wilkins has retired. She would like to hire Al Goldstein for 15 hours per week. Funding is through the Formula Grant. Mr. Burgess moved to write to Ernie thanking him for his service. Seconded by Mr. Alexopoulos. Voted, 5-0. Mr. Burgess moved to approve the hiring of Al Goldstein for 15 hours per week, paid for through the Formula Grant. Seconded by Mr. Connors. Voted, 5-0.
Letter from Police Chief asking the Board to appoint two full-time permanent police officers who are seeking lateral transfers to Randolph P.D. Mr. Connors moved to request the Police Chief provide a list of candidates interested, and upon obtaining the list, the Board will do the regular process of interviewing and appointing. Voted, 5-0.
Letter from Police Chief requesting that a Police Chief promotional exam be called. Mr. Connors moved to call for an exam. Seconded by Mr. Alexopoulos. Mr. Fernandes felt that the Board should go wider to get the most qualified and broader based applicants than just local. He said that Randolph personnel would be eligible to take the exam. Voted, 4-1 (Fernandes).
Vehicle Exhaust Capture System
Mr. Alexopoulos moved to accept the bid from Air Cleaning Specialists of NE, LLC. Seconded by Mr. Connors. Bond counsel confirmed that this could be paid out of the capital improvement money initially approved for the Fire Station roof, because this is more pressing. Bond counsel said it would not be a problem if it was part of the motion. This is for the 1st payment only. Mr. Alexopoulos said we did not want to use Reserve Fund. Mr. Burgess asked if this is for one station. Lt. Michael Rennie said this is for each vehicle in both stations. Joe Burke said that Town Meeting voted this and bonding has to be voted. Mr. Connors said that is why we went to Bond Counsel. Mr. Alexopoulos moved to accept the bid from Air Cleaning Specialists of NE, LLC, the first payment of $23,000 to be
paid from the Capital Improvement money as it related to roof repair at the Fire Station. Voted, 5-0. Mr. Fernandes asked about the 2nd two payments. Back to Town Meeting.
Verizon – Fiber Optic Cable
Rick Colon, Regional Director updated the Board on their 2007 project. This is the next generation of telecommunications services. Fiber optics offers the fastest speeds of broadband at affordable prices. This includes video. He met with Mr. Carroll, DPW, and Police on Nov 9th to discuss their build out. The build-out will involve close coordination with several departments. No additional space is needed on the poles and no new poles are needed. They will over lash. Tree trimming will be involved, and Police details. Scheduled to begin with tree trimming in late Dec. through first quarter of 2007. After that they will start to build out the fiber followed by the splicers. The build out will take approx. 6 months for aerial installations followed by residential work. They will
work on underground residential in 2008. He said it is win-win for economic development – 5-30 Meg product going up to 50 Meg. After they are further along in the process they will then petition the town for voice, data, video licensing. It is a price competitive product. Mr. Burgess asked when the build out starts and where Mr. Colon said it is from the central switch to feeder lines. Mr. Burgess asked about underground utilities. Mr. Colon said he could speak generally. Mr. Burgess asked why they would do this twice. Mr. Colon said that when they build out they will put the fiber in the ground. Permission from town is not required as their permission comes under Title II laws. They are lashing to copper network where they have permission. They will need permission to offer services. They will not inconvenience the town twice in Crawford Square. They will not put in aerial only to take them down to
go underground. Mr. Connors said we are still trying to get answers from Verizon, National Grid, and Comcast about getting off the poles. It can’t be done. Mr. Colon said the fiber cables would be underground from central office in Randolph. They would come up riser poles to feed aerial locations. But if it makes sense economically to hold off in some situations that’s what they’ll do. Mr. Alexopoulos said this would affect No. Randolph where there would be underground utilities as well. This would leave two areas undone. Mr. Colon will get answers on coordination and he will send letter this week. Mr. Connors asked how he would feel if the Board sent a letter to the Department of Telecommunications and Energy asking them not to allow this. Mr. Colon felt it would be a detriment to the residents and businesses. Mr. Colon said they are in violation now. There are poles left undone for two
years. We have 12 or more poles on South Main Street with Verizon still on the poles. Verizon does not trim trees. Mr. Connors said this doesn’t help the town a bit. Mr. Colon said they are hiring a professional tree trimming service with arborists. They don’t do this on a regular basis. Mr. Colon said the double poles are being addressed in Randolph. National Grid has removed 100 poles this year. He had a list. There are 105 poles left. Verizon is working with National Grid on this. He gave two lists to the Board – removed and to be removed. Mr. Colon said it is frustrating to the Board but in the last two years they have gotten many done. There are 105 left to eliminate in the next 10-12 months which could be done during their work. Mr. Connors said this took 10 months to get this done. Mr. Connors said the Union Street poles that are in the roadway need to get out of
there. Mr. Colon asked Mr. Carroll to provide the locations. Mr. Connors asked why we should support Verizon. He said to address the problems we have now. Mr. Colon said that Mr. Connors was creating a situation of gloom and doom. Public safety issues will be given dates. Riser poles require engineering. He pledged his and Verizon’s cooperation. Mr. Wells asked how much time it takes an engineer to take care of a riser. Mr. Wells said this would not get his vote until the Union and South Main Street poles are removed. Mr. Colon said he didn’t need a vote tonight. He pledged to continue to work with Mr. Carroll and the Board relative to double poles. He came tonight to inform the Board about a benefit to the town and residents. Mr. Carroll said the last list he received is dated 11/08/06. Since then Steve Slavinsky, the Animal Control Officer, has been patrolling and looking
at the poles outstanding. Everything is still on the list. Notice is given to National Grid and Verizon. The Fire Chief reported to him that fire alarm is off the poles. Mr. Carroll said he and Rick Colon have had conversations about surcharges for underground utilities. He is meeting with Juan Carlos Serna of the Master Plan Implementation Committee tomorrow morning. Mr. Burgess said that was supposed to be on the agenda last August. Mr. Colon asked for the list he has now and go forward. Mr. Connors requested that the Board go on record as being opposed to Verizon laying fiber optic cable in town until they and National Grid satisfy our concerns on North Main, North,South Main and Union Streets.
At the last meeting, the town received notice that it had been awarded a Smart Growth grant in the amount of $30,000. (The Board voted on June 19th to apply for the grant.) Mr. Alexopoulos moved to accept the grant. Seconded by Mr. Connors. Voted, 5-0.
Public Comments
A resident (name unclear) expressed concern that only two officials spoke favorably about an override last year. She asked the Board if they would publicly support the override. Mr. Wells said he was trying to attend the upcoming override class at Massasoit. Mr. Burgess said that he wouldn’t be attending the meeting. He voted against the question this year because unless he knows where the money is going he can’t ask the taxpayers to pay. He would support a question for the library. He would not request a single question. He feels there are ways to consolidate some departments. Mr. Fernandes said that since we would have a shortfall and we decide the ballot, he had no reservations. He would support what goes on the ballot. Mr. Connors said he supported the override that
he publicly spoke on it he wrote the ad; and he paid for more than half the cost of the ad. She said that studies show successful overrides had strong leadership support.
Joe Burke – Town cannot afford the override.
David Zecchini – Read a note from Elaine Van Tassel, wife of DPW worker Ray Van Tassel who was critically injured while stringing Christmas lights on North Main Street. She praised the Fire Department, Police Department, town employees, and residents for their well wishes and prayers. Mr. Zecchini echoed her sentiments. It is a non-stop concern. He is still critical but he is still fighting. Asked everyone to keep him, and DPW worker Bob Mahoney who is battling cancer, in their thoughts and prayers.
Mike Rennie thanked the Board, the residents and the Fire Chief for approving the Vehicle Exhaust Capture System.
Reports
Executive Secretary distributed a draft memo to the Board about the rate at which expenditures are being made. Some departments have substantially expended expense appropriations. Some are stock piling. He is advising all town departments that budgets are tight don’t assume a Ch. 77 transfer at the end of the year. Last year was the first year it allowed the Selectmen and FinCom to transfer money. There will be no surpluses this year. Accountant’s office was instructed not to allow expending beyond a line item. The full time departments have access to the new accounting system and they are being reminded to follow the budget and not over expend. The Auditors have requested that errors be avoided. Check accounts. Dept. heads are financial managers and must monitor and
manage expenditures. This will go out tomorrow. Mr. Fernandes asked to see emphasis on change de facto procedures. This should be in the memo in bold type. Make it clear. This falls under B in the memo.
Executive Secretary said he had been working with the Assessor and the Accountant to ensure bills are sent Jan. 1st. Collections and revenue cannot be delayed. Tax classification hearing is scheduled for next Monday. We are on target as of today. He distributed a draft of the tax recap. Everything right now is in balance. Principal Assessor Richard Brown has forwarded this to DOR for review and comment. DOR appears to have initially accepted. Since the Collector/Treasurer has been ill, he has been working with his staff. There are things the town has done to increase revenue. Water rates have gone up 8% which will increase revenue. Line 15 (Recreation receipts): Paul Maloof told the Town Accountant that last year it was $301,000. This year he projects it to be $350,000
back to the general fund, not the revolving fund. Mr. Burgess asked how they projected the increase. Mr. Alexopoulos felt it was the change in rink times. Mr. Burgess was skeptical. He said that Paul Maloof had been charging the High School hockey team. Mr. Burgess stressed that they go over the numbers several times. Mr. Carroll said he urged this all day in meetings. He will get an analysis of the rink account. Most other numbers are status quo. Spoke to Treasurer about investment income still in appropriation. Mr. Alexopoulos asked when we would have the paperwork for the tax classification for hearing. Mr. Carroll said the Board of Assessors has to review and the Board of Selectmen will have it before the weekend. Mr. Alexopoulos asked for it as soon as possible. Amounts to be raised: snow & ice deficit $169,059 is the amount that has been audited. About 3 ½ weeks ago the auditors gave
a schedule of shortfall of almost $1M. The $1M was reduced to the snow and ice amount and $153,000 in unpaid bills. Mr. Carroll said we are trying to stay within the law. Mr. Burgess noted the Community Preservation Account and asked how it can be in a deficit. Mr. Carroll said he got this today and that CPA and Police salaries had been added in by auditors. He has not had the opportunity to check these two items. Arthur Goldstein asked, if we told everybody they could expend beyond, how we have $153,000 in unpaid bills. Mr. Carroll said that we were running two accounting systems (closing the old and starting the new). The old system would post a notice if they were to over expend. The transactions were completed. Mr. Goldstein asked if there were any flagrant violators and that they should be earmarked for the future. Mr. Burgess said the FinCom could look at accounts now – some have gotten emergency fund
transfers. Also, that some departments were under funded. Mr. Connors said the FICA is the largest account under funded. He said that the Workers Comp account had a surplus. Recreation had two reserve fund requests. Mr. Carroll said many are minor due to accounting procedures. The tax rate is not going up dramatically. Mr. Carroll said we could provide only what the public allows us to pay for. We have put hours into this. Projecting is difficult as things are getting tighter every year. Mr. Brown was present and said the Board of Assessors met and went over information. They voted to recommend the 175% tax shift. The info should be available by end of the day tomorrow. The average residential and commercial could expect about a 2¾% increase.
Liaisons
Mr. Fernandes said the School working committee is meeting tomorrow.
He attended a meeting of Governor’s transition team. He will pursue some of the topics and use Randolph as a model community.
Mr. Burgess said the Animal Welfare Comm has requested a response as to where they go from here. Mr. Wells said he received an email from Jean Duddy about an article from their committee. The AWC was scheduled for 7:15 p.m. on Jan. 8, 2007.
Govt. Reorganization Committee was present and requested an executive session.
Mr. Alexopoulos said that Mr. Carroll gave out a town meeting timeline – on Dec. 11th we are scheduled to set the date for the annual town meeting. Mr. Carroll said the Board could also open the warrant. We need to check the availability of the auditorium. Mr. Burgess asked to table until next week and gets something in writing from all parties. Town Counsel is not available May 7th; the Moderator Kevin Reilly is not available on the 14th but the 15th okay, 21st and so on. Seconded by Mr. Connors. Voted, 5-0.
Mr. Alexopoulos moved to open the annual town meeting warrant tonight. Seconded by Mr. Fernandes. It can be voted to close next week. Voted, 5-0.
Mr. Fernandes brought up the Access to Town Counsel policy. Members reviewed the policy. Mr. Connors said the procedure should not be that open. Permission should be granted by a majority of Selectmen or through the Executive Secretary. Mr. Carroll said he has denied access to departments asking questions. If a Board member asked him, he would not deny. Mr. Carroll could be the conduit for the member as he would have access per Mr. Connors. Mr. Connors said that ethics questions should go to the Executive Secretary, not to Town Counsel. Arthur Goldstein asked what the $33,000 retainer gets us. Why are we billed? Mr. Burgess said that research that goes above and beyond, writing bylaws, etc. there would be a charge. Get a job description of Town Counsel services.
Mr. Burgess said he received a letter dated Nov. 30th regarding an upcoming meeting with the FAA and Logan Airport regarding noise – Jan 17th 2007.
Mr. Burgess said the light at the pumping station on Pond Street is cycling.
Mr. Burgess said the Stop sign at Fitzgerald and Old Pond Streets needs to be replaced.
Mr. Burgess received a letter from Daniel Grasbauskas of the MBTA about a proposal to schedule later trains. Schedule on agenda on 1/8/07. We should get input from residents at a hearing. Put on cable and web. Put flyers on cars at train station. Mr. Connors said there may be concerns about noise. Have copies available in Town Hall.
Police grievance – Mr. Connors moved to acknowledge receipt of grievance and ask for report from Chief Porter. Seconded by Mr. Burgess. Voted, 5-0 (see withdrawal of motion below). Mr. Burgess expressed concern that he thought it was already handled but it seems there was no communication from the office. Things are falling through the cracks. Traditionally the correspondence basket has been thick. He’s not seeing it any more. All mail goes in basket. Mr. Carroll said he advised Linda and Tawana to put everything in the basket. Mr. Carroll said he talked with the Chief who gave correspondence from Chief denying the grievance. Mr. Fernandes asked who it went to because it is not addressed to anyone. It goes from grievant to dept. head. Mr. Connors said we have
it and we have not been asked to act on step 2. Mr. Fernandes said the Chief withdrew his request for civilian dispatchers. Mr. Connors withdrew his motion. Seconded by Mr. Fernandes. This will be in next meeting. Voted, 4-1 (Burgess).
Mr. Wells asked for an Executive Session under Sec. 6 of MGL Ch. 39, s. 23(6) to consider the sale of real estate. Roll call vote: Connors-yes, Alexopoulos-yes, Fernandes-yes, Burgess-no, Wells-yes. Board will not reconvene.
Meeting adjourned at 9:30 p.m.
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CLERK OF THE BOARD
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