12 – 18 – 06
At the meeting of the Randolph Board of Selectmen held Monday, December 18, 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. Fernandes said the opening prayer. Mr. Alexopoulos led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Hearing – Tax Classification
Assessors Joseph Galvam, James M. Hurley, Principal Assessor Richard Brown, Assistant Assessor Robert Harrington were present. During their preparation meeting, the Board of Assessors understood they could go for a maximum of 183% shift; however going to the maximum would have incurred penalties for the town in the future. The Board of Assessors voted unanimously to recommend staying at the 175%. Mr. Fernandes said he met with Mr. Brown early this week and reviewed the numbers. He understood it from their point of view. Audience comments: Gerald Good, Sr., speaking as a resident, said he was not arguing with the 175%, but that he would not be in favor of 178% or 183%. Taxes are going up. The increase is usually 3%. For 07-08, the levy will be $36M+/-. Home values are declining. As total valuations decrease, the tax rate will go up giving a higher tax bill. Tax classification is a shifting of the burden from residents to business. This has been ongoing for years. Asked
residents to shop locally in Randolph, and to ask for the senior citizen discounts. Janis Wentzell spoke on behalf of the Chamber of Commerce. Businesses are struggling. The majority are small “Mom and Pop” businesses. She hoped that in years to come the shift would stop. Resident Jim Curran asked for his senior discount now. The average annual Social Security payment is $12,044, half of what they need. Rising Medicare is taking the monthly check. Irene Romano of Precinct 3 asked that the Board vote the shift. She said that we have a 6% surcharge coming for underground utilities. The real bill is coming in January because we have been paying estimates. She said there are a lot of people in town who are hurting. Joe Burke of Precinct 8 agreed with the Assessors, Irene, and Gerry. He said he shops in Randolph. Don’t force the elderly to move out. Chamber Executive Director
Arnold Rosenthal was concerned with the direction the town is going – vacant business spots around town and in industrial parks. The Selectmen and the Assessors should find a way to reduce the rate to entice business here. Mr. Connors moved the recommendation of the Board of Assessors. Seconded by Mr. Alexopoulos. This is the shift only. Voted, 5-0. Residential exemption: Mr. Burgess moved to not accept the residential exemption. Voted, 5-0.
Open space exemption: Mr. Connors moved to deny the Open Space exemption. Voted, 4-1 (Burgess).
Small commercial business: Mr. Alexopoulos moved to not recommend the small commercial business exemption. Voted, 5-0.
Mr. Galvam thanked the efforts of Executive Secretary Michael Carroll and Town Accountant Phil Wolters for helping Mr. Brown in working with the Department of Revenue. Mr. Hurley said that Randolph ranked third in the state, after Taunton and Brockton, for foreclosures this year. A sign of the times.
Correspondence
Received a letter from the Director of Elder Affairs advising that they received a gift of $250.00 and requested that the Board accept a gift. They received a check from Olde Kids on the Block and she would like to use the gift to partially fund their copier contract. Mr. Wells moved to accept. Seconded by Mr. Burgess. Voted, 5-0.
Received a letter from the IBPO listing bargaining members and officers.
Received a letter from Health Director John McVeigh re: our request that 19 Soren Street and 7 Young Terrace be investigated. Police are investigating the unregistered vehicles. Mr. Wells said there had been progress. 17 Smith Road has been forwarded to the Chief of Police.
Received a letter from Local 511, IBPO re: Grievance. Mr. Carroll said he would follow the same procedure as the recent Fire grievance where he, a member of the Selectmen would meet with the union, then the Chief and determine the merit. Mr. Burgess said they requested to meet with the Board. Mr. Connors said that taking the step to schedule is taking an action. Grievance hearings are not done at a meeting. The Police contract states the Board has 10 days to render a decision. Acknowledge grievance and 10 days from today to decide. Ask Dwayne for an extension. Mr. Connors asked why not have Mr. Carroll and a Selectman sit. Mr. Burgess said the letter asks for the Board and the office did not respond in June. Mr. Alexopoulos said it was always with the Executive Secretary. Mr. Burgess expressed concern because we did not respond. Mr. Connors moved that Mr. Carroll and a member sit with President Dwayne Goldman. Seconded by Mr. Alexopoulos. Voted, 4-1 (Burgess.) Mr.
Connors, Mr. Alexopoulos, and Mr. Carroll will meet.
Received a letter from the Building Commissioner. She would be filling in for the Avon Inspector to inspect a building that he is building. Mr. Connors moved to authorize the request. Voted, 4-1 (Burgess). Mr. Connors asked that we send a copy of the vote to the Avon Board of Selectmen.
Received a notarized letter of complaint from Dorothy Bellinkoff, 600 North Street, about Fiumara's dog at 606B North Street. A hearing was scheduled for 1-8-07 at 7:25 p.m.
Received a letter from Chief Foley enclosing the Norfolk County mutual aid agreement, the only change is the addition of “Paramedic Intercept Service Billing”. Mr. Alexopoulos moved to sign the agreement. Seconded by Mr. Connors. Voted, 5-0.
Received a request from Randolph Youth Softball-Baseball to put up a banner in Tripe Hill Park (Crawford Square) for annual registration from January 6-February 3, 2007. Mr. Alexopoulos moved to approve. Seconded by Mr. Fernandes. Voted, 4-0. (JB abstained).
Received a request from the Friends of Turner Library to meet with the Board. Scheduled for January 22, 2007 @ 7:15 p.m.
Joe Burke said the food pantry is getting low. Bring food to churches. There were no other comments.
Mr. Connors said that last week he attacked the utilities. Within 2 days, National Grid removed 12 poles. Today, National Grid had a work crew out fixing the lights on North Main Street.
Mr. Connors thanked Roberta Burke for the holiday goodies.
Report of the Executive Secretary
He requested that the Board firm up the Town meeting date, and vote the closing date for the warrant.
He asked that the Board schedule budget discussion dates for those departments that come under the Selectmen. Discussion. Friday, January 19th and Saturday, January 20th were set up. (Friday for full-time departments and Saturday for volunteer departments.) Mr. Carroll will prepare the draft schedule.
Town meeting on May 15th: Town Counsel is available, Moderator Kevin Reilly is available. Mr. Carroll said the FinCom indicated they would be ready long before May. Mr. Burgess moved to table to next meeting to check definite availability. No second. Mr. Connors requested a document delivered to Board tomorrow showing the availability of all involved. Mr. Fernandes moved to hold Town Meeting on May 15th. Seconded by Mr. Alexopoulos, contingent on getting the document tomorrow. (Moderator, Town Counsel, School auditorium, FinCom.) Voted, 5-0.
Board voted, 5-0 to close the warrant on Friday, January 12th at 4 p.m.
Mr. Connors said the appointment of Auxiliary Police Chief Buonopane is up on December 31st. Mr. Connors moved to appoint Frank Robles as Auxiliary Police Chief effective January 1, 2007, for a 1½ year term. Seconded by Mr. Burgess. Voted, 4-1 (Alexopoulos). Voted, 5-0 to send a letter thanking Chief Buonopane for his years of service.
Mr. Fernandes on behalf of the Board wished the residents Happy Holidays.
Meeting adjourned at 8:02 p.m.
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CLERK OF THE BOARD
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