Board of Selectmen Minutes
Meeting date:
Thursday, October 6, 2005
Board of Selectmen Present: Stanley M. Wysocki
October 6, 2005 Kenneth F. Troup
The Board of Selectmen met at the Town Hall at 7:00 p.m. Minutes of May 18, June 22, July 26 and August 4, 9, 25, 2005 were read and approved.
DOG HEARING
Present: Mr. & Mrs. Pero, Susan Latham, Animal Control Officer, Phyllis Tower, Assistant Animal Control Officer, Police Officer Yvette Washington, Town Clerk Betsy Cussen
The Board of Selectmen held a hearing pursuant to Mass. General Laws, Chapter 140, Section 157 and the Town of Bolton Bylaws, Section 1.9.1.3 regarding a complaint concerning a dog named “Oreo” owned by Mr. & Mrs. Pirez who bit Ms. Beverly Pero. Animal Control Officer Susan Latham reported that the dog was quarantined for 10 days after this incident. Ms. Latham informed the Board of Selectmen that there have been three written warnings regarding the Pirez’s dog but nothing of aggressive nature. Ms. Pero gave a summary of the incident that took place on the Pirez’s property when she visited to check out horses she was hired to take care of. When Ms. Pero asked where the water source was she was told to follow the hose. While Ms. Pero was checking the location of the water source Oreo and another dog showed their aggressiveness but Ms. Pero was told by Hannah Pirez to ignore them. When Oreo became distracted Ms. Pero went to the water source with Hannah and as Ms. Pero was headed back she heard the dog coming at her, and before she knew it, Oreo had jumped up and bit her in the face and then arm. Ms. Pero stated she was attending this evening’s hearing to find out what the Selectmen intended to do about the incident.
Although Mr. Pirez understands what the dog did was wrong, he claims that Ms. Pero was told not to go into the yard. It was also reported that about three months ago Mr. Pirez’s son was bitten by the dog and did require stitches. Mr. Pirez stated that although the dog had been moved to Georgia he wanted to come to the hearing to see what the outcome of the hearing would be. He referred to the crusade by Ms. Pero being over. The Board of Selectmen stated it was not fair to place blame of a crusade on the victim and that it was Mr. Pirez’s decision to move the dog out of state but that it would not have been their resolution. Animal Control Officer Susan Latham stated that it is the owner’s obligation to be sure everyone is safe at all times. On a motion made by Troup and seconded by Wysocki the Board of Selectmen voted to order that Oreo be restrained at all times if he returns to Bolton. This should be done by a chain link pen which is escape proof. A shelter would also need to be provided to keep Oreo warm and dry in the winter and cool in the summer.
REGIONALIZATION OF THE POLICE CHIEF POSITION
Present: Dispatch Supervisor Donna Hathaway, Town Clerk Betsy Cussen, Celia Hyde, Kathleen Straitt, Jake Foote, Lorraine Kenney, Dan Senie, Curt Plante, Russ Karlstad, Sgt. Andrew Bagdonas, Lt. Warren Nelson, Police Officers Kim Denaro, Yvette Washington, and Chris Harrington; Advisory Committee members David Lindsay, Chris Slade and Wendy Rogers
Board of Selectmen Chairman Wysocki stated that at the first Police Chief Search Committee meeting the idea of a regional police chief was raised and the Selectmen decided to have this discussion to explore the option to see if it might make any sense. Mr. Troup stated that a regional approach would require an agreement with another town and approval at a town meeting in both communities. At this point the Selectmen have not contacted any other towns other than to let them know it was on the Selectmen’s agenda for discussion.
Mr. Slade stated that he felt there were three concepts to look at: 1) the way we are presently operating; 2. a regional group of people to provide on-street law enforcement; or 3. a combined chief so that you would have more people served by one command position.
Mr. Plante stated it would not benefit the town to have a chief working part-time. He referred to the regional dispatch center and bugs that could not be ironed out so the Towns went their separate ways. Mr. Troup stated that the experience would need to be factored in.
Mr. Plante’s feeling is that our community will not be best served by a part time Chief.
Bolton has had a full time Police Chief since 1964. Ms. Hyde stated that it is a full time job and the Police Chief is very busy. Patrol Officer Yvette Washington stated that with new developments in town and increasing population a full time police chief is necessary. The Police Chief has connection with employees and sharing a Chief with another community would not allow for this type of arrangement. Sgt. Bagdonas stated that sharing a chief would mean that Chief would be working with two sets of policies and procedures, contracts and budgets which would complicate the position. Lt. Nelson stated that there is a need for a 40 hour per week position. He also stated that at some point a fulltime fire chief would be needed.
The Board of Selectmen thanked everyone for coming and stated the main reason was to let people know what they were thinking and to get input. If it doesn’t appear to be a good idea they will not go any further.
INTERIM POLICE CHIEF
The Board of Selectmen voted to grant authority to Town Administrator Ross to start looking for an interim police chief since the hiring process may last longer than they anticipated. Ms. Ross stated that she will work with the new consultant to see who he would recommend for an interim police chief, typically a part time position. The Board of Selectmen may need to request a transfer from the Advisory Committee to cover the expenses for the interim police chief. Ms. Ross will determine the amount needed for the interim police chief.
LIEUTENANT COMPENSATION BENEFITS
Lieutenant Nelson met with the Board of Selectmen and reviewed benefits for his position. On a motion made by Troup and seconded by Wysocki,the Board of Selectmen voted to grant the following benefits to Lieutenant Nelson:
1. Uniform allowance of $850 per fiscal year - with requirement that
uniform be worn during active duty, other than when undercover work is done
2.~ 8% annual salary stipend be paid for bachelor's degree - beginning July
1, 2006
3.~ 4 weeks vacation annually
4.~ $750 annual stipend for defibrillator
5.~ Compensatory time may be earned on an hour for hour basis - taken as
time off, limit to be set in future - 2 weeks total
6.~ 5% stipend for "officer in charge" status during absence of a chief -
retroactive to 8/23/05.~ Stipend only for actually time worked, not during
training or vacation, etc.
Selectmen were agreeable to retroactive pay, minus vacation days taken, from the time former Chief Hyde left the department. The Board of Selectmen understands that the Personnel Committee must ratify this decision to be implemented.
SPECIAL TOWN MEETING WARRANT
Present. Advisory Committee members Chris Slade, Scott Powell, David Lindsay, Burt Shnitzler, Town Clerk Betsy Cussen, Curt Plante and John Flaherty
Mr. Troup will provide an updated “Status of Bolton’s Capital Projects” for everyone’s review.
The Board of Selectmen reviewed the special town meeting warrant and made revisions, and recommendations as follows.
Article 1: Unpaid Bill for Fiscal Year 2005
On a motion made by Troup and seconded by Wysocki the Board of Selectmen voted to approve this article. (Wysocki – yes, Troup – yes)
Article 2: Transfer of Funds
The amount to be transferred is $32,000. On a motion made by Troup and seconded by Wysocki the Board of Selectmen voted to approve this article. (Wysocki – yes, Troup – yes)
Article 3: Rezoning Two Parcels
Language was proposed and approved to be added to this article to describe the property in more detail. On a motion made by Troup and seconded by Wysocki the Board of Selectmen voted to approve this article. (Wysocki – yes, Troup – yes)
Article 4: Amend the Base Town Map
Amended language will be provided for this article. On a motion made by Troup and seconded by Wysocki the Board of Selectmen voted to approve this article. (Wysocki – yes, Troup – yes)
Article 5: Creation of an Affordable Housing Trust Fund
On a motion made by Troup and seconded by Wysocki the Board of Selectmen voted to approve this article. (Wysocki – yes, Troup – yes)
Article 6: Funding for Municipal Affordable Housing Trust Fund
On a motion made by Troup and seconded by Wysocki the Board of Selectmen voted to approve this article. (Wysocki – yes, Troup – yes)
Article 7: Local Emergency Planning Grant
On a motion made by Troup and seconded by Wysocki the Board of Selectmen voted to approve this article. (Wysocki – yes, Troup – yes)
Article 8: Insurance Recovery Fund Transfer
On a motion made by Troup and seconded by Wysocki the Board of Selectmen voted to approve this article. (Wysocki – yes, Troup – yes)
Article 9: Debt Service Transfer
On a motion made by Troup and seconded by Wysocki the Board of Selectmen voted to approve this article. (Wysocki – yes, Troup – yes)
Article 10: Ambulance Receipt Reserve Transfer
On a motion made by Troup and seconded by Wysocki the Board of Selectmen voted to approve this article. (Wysocki – yes, Troup – yes)
Article 11: Library Expansion
On a motion made by Troup and seconded by Wysocki the Board of Selectmen voted to approve this article. (Wysocki – yes, Troup – yes)
Article 12: Acquire Taggart Property
On a motion made by Troup and seconded by Wysocki the Board of Selectmen voted to approve this article. (Wysocki – yes, Troup – yes)
Article 13: Acquire Smith Property
On a motion made by Troup and seconded by Wysocki the Board of Selectmen voted to approve this article. (Wysocki – yes, Troup – yes)
Article 14: Election
On a motion made by Troup and seconded by Wysocki the Board of Selectmen voted to approve this article. (Wysocki – yes, Troup – yes)
The Board of Selectmen executed the final special town meeting warrant.
SIGN REQUESTS
Ye Olde Beef N’Ale - The Board of Selectmen reviewed the request of Candace Casey to place a sign in the Town of Bolton advertising her restaurant Ye Olde Beef N’Ale. The Board of Selectmen denied this request based on the fact that Ye Olde Beef N’ Ale is not located in the Town of Bolton.
Booktoberfest – The Board of Selectmen reviewed and approved the request of Pam Kaminski to place signs on Route 117 near the Library.
Capital Campaign Committee: The Board of Selectmen reviewed and approved the request of Pam Kaminski to place signs “Vote Yes Library” on lawns of willing citizens provided they are placed on private property and not town easements.
BANNERS
The Board of Selectmen reviewed the request of Anita Scheipers for a banner welcoming home her son Army National Guard Sergeant Jason Ware from Iraq. Ms. Scheipers anticipated his arrival around October 31st. The Board of Selectmen approved of this banner for one week starting October 31, 2005.
The Board of Selectmen reviewed the request of Chris Collins for a banner advertising the registration of Little League from October 15 through December 1. Based on the banner policy the Board of Selectmen voted to approve the banner for one week starting October 15, 2005 and an additional week starting November 15, 2005.
The Board of Selectmen reviewed the request of Tom Pokorney for a banner advertising the Registration of Soccer from October 17 through December 14. Based on the banner policy the Board of Selectmen voted to approve the banner for one week starting October 15, 2005 and an additional week starting November 15, 2005.
NRSD FY2006 ASSESSMENT
The revised certified figure for the Town of Bolton’s share of the operating and Capital costs combined is $8,977,971.
APPOINTMENTS
The Board of Selectmen voted to appoint John Karlon, associate member of the Planning Board, term expiration June 30, 2007.
BUDGETS/GOALS
Town Administrator Ross stated that last year’s budget message was sent out on October 6th and asked Selectmen to begin thinking about the message they wanted to send to departments for the upcoming FY07 budget process. Ms. Ross stated she felt it was important that both the Board of Selectmen and Advisory Committee deliver the same message to departments to level fund. Town Secretary Linda Day will prepare an ATM calendar for the Selectmen’s meeting on October 20th.
The Board of Selectmen set their FY07 goals as follows:
1. Maintain~town services
2. Control expenses at current levels~where possible~
3. Ensure that we are properly training our Police Officers~~
4. Support the Police Chief search process through~the hiring of a new Chief
5. Review Town-wide salary schedule to ensure competitiveness~across all~town positions~
6. Finalize APR’s (Nicewicz/Schartner)
7. Publish and begin implementation of the master plan
8. Oversee Wastewater Treatment Plant design and construction
9. Participate in School Needs Assessment process
10. Fix heating system at Town Hall
11. Control energy costs by looking at regionalization
12. Drainage Issues
13. Bylaw revisions (one at a time)
14. Emergency Response Plan
15. Health Insurance
16. World Peace
TOWN ADMINISTRATOR REPORT
Administrative Consent Order: The Board of Selectmen voted to execute the Administrative Consent Order for the Sewage Treatment Plant at the schools.
Human Resources Services: Ms. Ross informed the Board of Selectmen that Sandy Stapczynski of Human Resources Inc. will be meeting with the Personnel Committee to discuss the preliminary salary schedule findings and recommendations. Mr. Wysocki will plan to attend.
Police Chief Search Committee: Ms. Ross reported that the Police Chief Search Committee has met a couple of times and their next meeting is October 17th. A web page has been set up for agenda and minutes. Ms. Ross asked the Board of Selectmen’s opinion as to the requirements related to salary, education, rank and years of service they would like to see in hiring the Police Chief. Selectmen deferred opinion to allow time for them to think about it.
Ms. Ross reported that the Police Chief Search Committee interviewed three consultants to help in the hiring process of a police chief and would like to hire BadgeQuest to assist in the search for a Police Chief. The Board of Selectmen approved the expenditure of $8,000 for the BadgeQuest with the understanding they would be flexible in their decision if it were decided to add an assessment center to the hiring process.
Moen property: Ms. Ross informed the Board that she has confirmed with Mark Baker that the Moen property is for sale.
SIGNS
The Board of Selectmen received a letter from Betsy Cussen regarding the number of signs along the roadside on Harvard Road. Ms. Cussen stated that there was one for sale sign but the other seven signs were advertising. Ms. Cussen asked if the Board of Selectmen had given sign permits for the following signs and if so how long the signs could stay up.
Duke Excavating @ 58 Old Harvard Road cut thru to Harvard Road
Stock Business Supplies @ 298 – 300 Harvard Road
Noon Lawn and Landscape Co. @ 147 Harvard Road
Noon Lawn and Landscape Co. @ 132 Harvard Road
Johnston Paving @ 110 Harvard Road
Calheta Construction and Home Repair @ 110 Harvard Road
Edwardsen Painting Inc. @ 110 Harvard Road
Ms. Cussen asked how the sign bylaw is enforced and if reminders are sent out to the homeowners to remove the sign. Ms. Cussen also asked if the Police have the authority to remove the illegal signs.
The Board of Selectmen authorized the removal of the signs at 110 Harvard Road based on fact that they were informed no one was living in the home.
The Board of Selectmen discussed in general and would like the time to review the bylaw and research further before making any decisions. Town Secretary Linda Day will forward the Board of Selectmen a copy of the Building permit application for their review.
Meeting adjourned.