March 15, 2005
Regular Session 7:05 PM
Ms. Tully, Mr. Edmundson, Mr. MacIver
School Committee Chairman Linda Hill advised that the School Committee had voted an operating budget of $29,705,851. Mr. Edmundson questioned the deletion of the phone system that would call each household. Superintendent Galo advised that she had approached the all-town PTO about the project but they were unwilling to fund the $3.68 per pupil cost. The reading adoption program will be in K-3 classes in September. The schools are ahead of what was originally anticipated because of a $52,000 “pothole” grant from the state. The math adoption is something that will come along later.
Voted - to recommend a total School Budget of $30,683,851 consisting of
Payroll - $23,831,867
Expenses - 5,873,984
Capital Outlay - $978,000
The proposed School Facilities Need Study Article would form a committee to review the impact of new developments such as the Shipyard and Linden Ponds. There are new programs such as all day kindergarten that cannot be provided due to lack of facilities. Dr. Galo noted that there is no doubt that there needs to be some sort of building whether it be a new building or additions to present buildings. The cost of the study is expected to be about $90,000. The estimated cost of the study is based upon quotes from architectural firms and some engineering work. Only two sites would be considered for a new school building – the former East School site and the parcel in the School Depot property. The Board noted that the need for additional space was evident during the facilities tour last fall. The School Building Assistance program is changing. It is expected that the guidelines will be completed by January 2006 applications will be received in June. There will be a cap in terms of the dollars and the rate of reimbursement will most likely decrease.
Voted - to support the warrant article entitled School Facilities Needs Study and recommend an appropriation of $90,000 to be funded by Light Plant receipts and appointment of a study committee to be appointed as follows: 2 members by the Board of Selectmen, 2 members by the Moderator and 3 members by the School Committee.
Central Fire Station Building Committee
Mr. Peterson explained that the current plan is for a side bay addition with a link connecting the apparatus bays and the existing building. The Committee hopes to issue a Request For Proposals next fall. Construction costs are escalating at about 4-8% per annum so a one year delay would increase the cost of the project by about that amount. Mr. Boland questioned if the town was getting sufficient value for the amount of money. The neighbors feel it more acceptable to go out the back from an aesthetic perspective as well as functionality. Ms. Comrack suggested more money be allocated and the back bays addition considered. She said the permit process would be much smoother. The Board said the program, as it exists now conforms to expectations, represents a vast improvement and does provide value for the town. The rear addition option is one that has been looked at exhaustively. The Board supported the recommendation from the Central Fire Station Building Committee.
Voted - to support the article for construction of additions and renovations at the Central Fire Station Building and recommend an appropriation of $3,934,750, of which $3,434,750 is subject to borrowing.
Personnel Board Articles
Michael Puzo explained that some monies were set aside for negotiations, as there is one contract not yet resolved. The recommended changes to the Personnel By-Law include some notice for vacation time use, modifying the requirement for physicals for those employees who perform physical labor and clarifying the definition of temporary employees. The duration of temporary employment would terminate upon the termination date, employment as a permanent full or part-time employee, or at the end of eighteen months. This change is particularly important because the Personnel Board has been quite careful to make it clear that a position must be created, funded, etc. to prevent an employee from just becoming an employee by default.
Voted - to recommend acceptance of the report of the Personnel Board and amendments to the Personnel By-Law and appropriation of $419,916 for purpose of this article.
Military Training Petition Article
Mr. Puzo noted that the current practice regarding military training is a fair an appropriate practice. The primary field in which this should be addressed the collective bargaining field since the employees affected are in bargaining groups.
Voted - not to support the military training petition article.
Capital Outlay
The only change from the original recommendations of the Capital Outlay Committee is the borrowing amount for the fire station. Everything else is the same except the photocopiers and the fuel management system for the schools.
Voted - to recommend a Capital Outlay Budget of
Not subject to borrowing - $2,716,334
User rates/borrowing - $3,629,750
Total - $6,346,084 (including the school amount)
Whitney Wharf
Ms. Merrill explained that the Committee hoped to have a mid-summer bid process and construction in the fall or the spring of 2006. The estimated cost of $187,000 includes work that Mr. Perrette is going to pay for. Ms. Merrill explained that there is approximately $160,000 available from CPC funds left over from 2003 warrant article. While it would be helpful to have more detail on the cost, the Committee is anxious to see that everyone is in agreement on the easement before spending the money on cost estimates. Mr. Edmundson noted that it would appear that this agreement goes beyond the initial proposal of giving Mr. Perrette permission to store materials on town property. The Committee agreed that it is complicated but there are ways to do it. Mr. Doyle said that use of the Whitney Wharf Park would be far more limited without the bridge.
Mr. MacIver recused himself.
Nick Amdur of Harbor Development has been working with Lincoln Sailing since last fall. The Harbor Development Committee supports the Lincoln Sailing expansion to Barnes II. The Committee feels the program is positive but there is a lack of detail on their part as to what will be done, the extent of construction, the cost, and how it will be managed, monitored and reviewed. Lincoln Sailing is not seeking exclusive use of the wharf but wants to install a deck, gangplank and floating dock. The town would be responsible for site work and preparation of access and a walkway. It is repair work that would be at the minimum acceptable level. Residents on Steamboat Lane have expressed concern about the amount of clearing or cutting in the area.
Lincoln Sailing has requested a lease for both Barnes II and the existing space on Barnes Wharf. Mr. Edmundson agreed that this is a worthy use of this resource but expressed concern about any pavilion or building on the wharf. The existing use of Barnes is of longstanding, but when we discuss a new piece of property we have to be aware of precedents being set. Ms. Tully noted that discussion of a pavilion is premature. She noted that it does seem that it would be a benefit to the town to clean up his property and make it more usable. Residents spoke both for and against the proposal to lease the wharves.
Voted - to support the article authorizing the Board of Selectmen to lease Barnes Wharf.
Voted – to support the article authorizing the Board of Selectmen to lease Steamboat Wharf.
Gardner Street Sidewalk
Mr. Stigliani reported that four easements are necessary from three property owners. He has not received commitments from these individuals. One will support the plan, the two parties who would like to review plans have not been able to get down to look at them but indicated that they would make an effort to do so soon.
Voted - to support the article authorizing the Board of Selectmen to acquire easements on Gardner Street.
Mr Stigliani advised the Board that the snow deficit is approximately $725,000. The MMA is trying to obtain some state reimbursement and the FEMA reimbursement should be approximately $150,000. The FEMA money should be in before the end of the fiscal year.
Mr. Cristello reviewed adjustment to the budgets already approved.
The increase of $3,500 to the accounting department budget is for the employee holiday party. In reviewing the various budgets a reserve building up in the property insurance account was noted - this will allow a reduction for this year of $100,000. The workers compensation account is a similar situation. The ending of the self-insurance plan and some reimbursements on the stop loss plan resulted in a surplus in that account. There will be some rate holidays declared later this year to give the employees benefit of this surplus.
Selectmen and Town Administrator’s Reports
The World Series Trophy attracted a crowd of approximately 600 to 700 people last Saturday. Mr. Edmundson went to visit neighbors on Del Prete last week and viewed the winter view of the proposed ice skating location. Project Turnabout discussions started formally two weeks ago. There was a meeting this morning and there will be another meeting next Monday morning at 7:30. Mr. Edmundson said there is a list of improvements to be made by the developer and, by next week, they will be able to put a dollar amount on it next week. The first building-green RFP committee meeting is tomorrow evening. Next Tuesday the executive director of MAPC will be present to discuss the implications of 40R, smart growth, etc. The Interfaith Seder held last Sunday it was interesting and good event. Mr. Cristello attended the Conservation Commission and DPW Building Committee meeting which was productive. The consultant appreciated the changes made to the fields. Mr. Cristello said he would expect only one more meeting and the issuance of an Order of Conditions.
Light Plant
Mr. Bulman announced that $429,975 would be allocated to the town for a payment from the Light Board also voted to allocate an additional one-time payment of $90,000 for the school facilities needs study. Mr. Edmundson said he really appreciated the Light Board’s reaching out to the broader community. The Light Board is currently doing a comprehensive energy audit of every school building which they hope to have completed by April 1.
Voted – to accept the minutes of January 11, 2005.
Meeting adjourned 9:25 PM.
Betty Foley, Clerk