March 27, 2007
Regular Session 7:35 pm
Mr. Edmundson, Ms. Tully
Mr. Falvey said that Mr. Cristello had advised that he and the School Department would be looking at the situation along Downer Avenue. Mr. Cristello said Mr. Stigliani is making arrangements to address the problem on a more permanent basis.
Ms. Tully noted that flooding problems continue in buildings adjacent to the tunnel. The
Selectmen will be sending a letter requesting that the MBTA meet with the merchants and representatives of the Town as soon as possible.
Voted - to send a letter to the MBTA regarding the flooding in buildings adjacent to the Greenbush Line tunnel.
The Town has received a grant for a new pump out boat. This grant requires a 25% match. The boat must be paid for this fiscal year.
Voted - to recommend a transfer from the Reserve Fund to the Police Capital Account in the amount of $14,500.
Mr. Cristello reported that the Governor cut the amount allocated to the sewer rate relief fund in House I. Cities and towns are being encouraged to petition the Governor and the Legislature to restore these funds.
Voted - to send a letter to Governor Patrick and the Town's legislative delegation supporting an increase in the Commonwealth Sewer Rate Relief Fund.
Legislative Update
Mr. Edmundson informed Senator Hedlunds and Representative Bradley that the Town was particularly interested in the state budget, the Plymouth County health insurance matter, cable tv licensing, the MassHighway land on Beal Street, and reducing the cost of teachers health insurance.
Senator Hedlund reviewed the local aid figures noting that there are discussions about coming out with a local aid resolution this week. Lottery revenues have been flat. The bond bill submitted this week including Chapter 90 means about a 24% increase to the Town. The sewer rate relief fund was disappointing but it is likely that it will be restored. Sen. Hedlunds said the special legislation for the transfer of the Mass Highway land to the Town was enacted. The problem is that it is against state policy and DCAM policy to transfer property without payment. The Assistant Commissioner has assured Sen. Hedlund that there is no significant problem it is just a matter of time until Hingham takes control. Representative Bradley said he had spoken to the Commissioner of Mass Highway and she will call over to DCAM. The Governor's budget relies heavily on cuts in the social services area. There is discussion about the education numbers going up. One area of reform is the retired teachers assessment issue. The GIC and Teachers Association have been opposing any action in this area. Mr. Edmundson asked about allowing presently retired teachers there to remain where they are now and having new retirees remain with the Town and have the usual 50/50 split. He noted that there are several arguments in favor of this. There is the equity issue and the funds that are being directed toward health insurance could be used for other purposes. Mr. Edmundson noted that the current situation is the unintended consequence of an action taken for administrative ease thirty odd years ago. The Town has the option of pulling everyone out now, but that could cause undue hardship on retirees who have been living on the 90/10 split for some time.
The Plymouth County rates have been raised significantly and are over the recommended rate from the consultant. The process is highly flawed. The Board will send a letter to County Commissioners to ask them to reconsider the decision about health insurance rates.
The Verizon legislation is in Committee. The best way to proceed is to monitor it as it moves forward. It does not appear to be a high priority with the Legislature.
Representative Bradley said the Downtown PWED is in process. He said has spoken to the Governor and he feels the Town has a good shot at it. Sen. Hedlund said there were a number of PWEDs ready to move out but the Romney administration wanted to let the new administration have some input. The federal guidelines offered incentives to communities with SRF. There was no federal money to help the private water companies. The argument is being made that it a question of equity since MWRA has subsidies.
Voted - to appoint Albert Currie Inspector of Animals for the coming year.
Voted - to appoint the following to the Fourth of July Parade Committee, an annual appointment:
Nancy MacDonald, 190 High Street
Kristen Maxwell, 51 Leavitt Street
James P. Murphy, 29 Cushing Avenue
Voted - to grant Paul Hart the following special liquor licenses for events to be held at the South Shore Country Club:
March 29, 2007 - Bereavement Luncheon, 11:45 PM to 2:00 PM
March 30, 2007 - Bereavement Luncheon, 10:45 AM to 3:00 PM
March 31 to April 6. 2007, 19th Hole Restaurant
March 31, 2007 - Notre Dame Academy Banquet
Ms. Tully advised that the Central Fire Station continues to move along well. The Historic Districts Commission will review the brick mock up and vote on April 12.. There was a meeting with Samuels and Planning Board regarding a revised design for Shipyard Drive. Mr. Cristello advised he received a letter from Mass Highway on the revised scope of the Shipyard PWED. Right of Entry forms have been sent to various property owners along Route 228 Phase II project area. These forms are necessary in order to do the sidewalk areas. Mr. Cristello encouraged residents to sign the document and send it back as soon as possible. The project cannot go out to bid unless the right of way has been secured. Ms. Tully and Mr. Cristello attended the Journey to 2030 last week regarding the 30 year transportation plan and requested that the presenters look at Exit 15 due to the amount of traffic in that area.
Meeting adjourned 8:30 pm.
Betty Foley, Clerk