Board of Selectmen Minutes
March 6, 2006
Chm. Ryan convened the meeting at 7:00p.m. Present: Alan Ryan Chm., Michael Collins, Louis Arcudi Selectmen; Eugene Phillips, Lisa Pedroli, Eric Brown, Sam Butler, James Keating, Pat Lally of the Milford Daily News and Artie Maggiore videographer.
MSDV to accept minutes of the meetings of February 6, 2006 regular and executive session and February 21, 2006 regular and executive session.
Chm. Ryan welcomed three members of the Boy Scout Troup 1, Eric Brown, Sam Butler and James Keating. All are working on receiving their Citizenship and Community Merit Badge which Mr. Ryan is the advisor.
MSDV to open the Annual Town Meeting Warrant to be held on May 16, 2006. All departments are now able to submit warrant articles.
Chm. Ryan began a discussion regarding MA General Laws 143A Section 10, which requires the appointment of a Municipal Hearing Officer. The Town of Mendon has contacted Mr. Phillips to determine if Hopedale would be interested in sharing the Officer. The State is requiring all towns have this position filled prior to the Building Department of Fire Department issuing violation citations. The Law currently mandates a $2,500.00 annual stipend. Rep. Marie Parente has filed a bill in the legislature which would allow small communities to set their own stipend, effectively allowing for sharing.
There was some discussion regarding the MIIA Insurance Rates. Mr. Phillips indicates MIIA has come in with a 12% increase, substantially lower than the 22.5% expected increase. Mr. Phillips has put together a projection, which highlights the average of 15% increases in the Health Insurance costs in recent years. If this is projected forward, in ten years the Towns Insurance costs will balloon from the current $2,000,000 to almost $6,000,000. The current 12% increase represents a $200,000.00 increase to this years budget.
Mr. Robert Brescianni attended the meeting for further discussion regarding property located on 5 Cook St. The Board of Selectmen had suggested he meet with the Planning Board which he has done. The Planning Board informed him the Town could choose to put the piece of property he is interested in purchasing up for auction and suggest an asking price or choose to do nothing. After some discussion the Selectmen declared they are not interested in selling this piece of non-conforming residential land. Currently schools are at capacity and most houses are not revenue neutral when there are children in the household. The Selectmen wanted to clarify however, Industrial/Commercial development is good for the Town and will promote building in areas zoned for such.
Conversation concerning remaining issues concerning the Fire Station Renovation Project and Weststar Associates were put off until the following meeting to allow Mr. Phillips more time to compile information.
The Selectmen have completed their individual reviews for Town Coordinator Mr. Phillips, and Chm. Ryan will do a roll up review for the next scheduled Selectmen’s meeting.
Chm. Ryan congratulated Elaine Malloy on being named an Unsung Heroine of Massachusetts this year. Mr. & Mrs. Malloy were also named recipients of the 2005 John H. Chaffe National Heritage Award.
Chm. Ryan congratulated the Girls Hopedale Basketball team for a wonderful season.
With no further business before them MSDV to enter into executive session not to reconvene. RCV: Alan Ryan Chm. –Aye, Michael Collins –Aye, Louis Arcudi –Aye.
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Alan J. Ryan, Chm.
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Michael E. Collins
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Louis J. Arcudi
HOPEDALE BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Moved, Seconded, Discussed and Voted **Roll Call Vote
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