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TOWN OF HOPEDALE 78 Hopedale Street - P.O. Box 7 Hopedale, Massachusetts 01747
Tel: 508-634-2203 Fax: 508-634-2200 |
Board of Selectmen Michael E. Collins, Chm. Alan J. Ryan Robert P. Burns
Town Coordinator Eugene N. Phillips |
Board of Selectmen Minutes
June 2, 2008
Chairman Collins convened the meeting at 7:00 p.m. and moved into the agenda. Present: Michael Collins, Chairman, Selectman Robert Burns, Town Coordinator Eugene Phillips, Executive Assistant Patricia Goodwin, and Nick Moe, videographer.
Chairman Collins commented that Selectman Ryan is not able to attend this evening’s meeting, however, the Board would like to congratulate all the high school graduates and to express their thank you to the administrators and teachers for a job well done.
MSDV to approve the regular session minutes of May 19, 2008. Chairman Collins – Aye and Robert Burns – Aye.
Coordinator Phillips received the renewal contract from VADAR® Systems, which is a municipality software application for tax collection purposes used by the Accounting and Water departments.
MSDV to approve the renewal contract with VADAR® Systems, Inc. Chairman Collins – Aye and Robert Burns – Aye.
Chairman Collins commented that as a result of Selectman Burns suggestion at the Board meeting held May 19th, a policy to notify residents of any vacancies on the various boards and/or committees would be announced in the hopes of generating interest in participation. There are quite a few vacancies, as follows: Cable Advisory Committee – 2; Capital Planning Committee – 2; Cemetery Committee – 2; Commission on Disabilities – 3; Conservation Commission – 1; Financial Committee – 4. Please contact Chairman Collins, Selectman Ryan, Selectman Burns, or Town Coordinator, Eugene Phillips to discuss any interest in filling a position and for a description of the duties and responsibilities.
A review of recent correspondence took place.
Comcast Cable sent a letter to the Board announcing the awarding of a $1,000 scholarship from the Comcast Foundation to Nina Abbondanza, a high school senior who graduated with this year’s class. Congratulations were expressed by the Board of Selectmen to Nina on this achievement.
Police Chief Costanza forwarded a letter of resignation from part-time Public Safety Dispatcher, Kristina Anderson, who is relocating out of state. Appreciation for her service to the town was expressed by the Board with best wishes for the future.
Chairman Collins moved to new business.
Sandra Biagetti expressed an interest in being appointed to the Finance Committee. Sandra is currently a member of the Zoning Board of Appeals and asked that an exception be made to the town’s by-laws (Chapter 79, Section §79-5, stating that paid officers of the town are ineligible for membership on the committee) and allow her to also serve on the Finance Committee. Chairman Collins commented that he would not want to make an exception to the by-laws as this would set a precedent and would be unfair to the other committees. Ms. Biagetti stated that she felt the Board could do some research and at their discretion review a person’s past performance on another board and be able to assign that person to two boards. Doing so would ensure
that the person is familiar with the town and the way town business is run. Chairman Collins commented that he is willing to take this into consideration for discussion with the full membership of the Board of Selectmen in attendance, however the Board had to turn down other requests in the past due to the by-laws. Coordinator Phillips commented that this by-law is common across the state. It is hoped by announcing vacancies at the opening of each Board of Selectmen meeting, that more residents will be made aware of an opening and will express interest in joining a committee.
Attorney Joe Antonellis introduced Jon Delli Priscolli of the Grafton and Upton Railroad. Attorney Antonellis commented that he has provided legal counsel to Mr. Delli Priscolli for a number of years and that Mr. Delli Priscolli has a significant background in residential and commercial development with offices in Marlboro. Additionally Mr. Delli Priscolli has owned the Quincy Bay and Cape Cod railroads, and purchased and renovated the Edaville railroad in Carver.
Mr. Delli Priscolli thanked the Board for inviting him to this meeting. He is now a 50% owner in the Grafton and Upton Railroad with an exclusive right over the next 5 years to take over the railroad, which he expects he will do within the next 12 months. Mr. Delli Priscolli commented that this railroad is unique in that it was never absorbed by a major railroad and has had only three owners. He is in the process of trying to clear the tracks after many years of neglect, with the intention of running the rails from North Grafton to Milford.
Mr. Delli Priscolli commented that the state of Massachusetts is becoming active in freight rails, as this brings in a lot of business to the communities and he has great hopes for the increase in rail service.
Chairman Collins stated that he believes that the re-opening of the railroad would be beneficial to Hopedale, however that the residents are concerned with safety. Mr. Delli Priscolli responded that the railroads have historical rights as determined by Congress and the federal government. There are 4 levels of service for accepted tracks. The 1st level is where trains run at less than 10 mph, and the 2nd, at a maximum of 10 mph, which is what most short lines operate under, including the Grafton and Upton rail line. The railroad crossings will need to have lights installed and Mr. Delli Priscolli will work with the State for financial assistance. He also expressed concern with the low height of the bridge crossing over
Hopedale Street and will work with the town to obtain rail funds, commenting that the railroads are responsible for the bridges.
Selectman Burns thanked Mr. Delli Priscolli for attending their Board meeting and for sharing this information. Mr. Burns commented that the Board will remain open-minded until there is evidence shown to the contrary and that he is positive at this point about the re-vitalization of the railroad, believing for years that this would be beneficial for the town.
Chairman Collins thanked Mr. Delli Priscolli for his time and for sharing as much information as possible and that he expects both parties will stay in communication.
Chairman Collins received a letter from the Fire Chief requesting use of an older police cruiser to save on the cost of fuel, and commented that there was no value listed. Mr. Collins suggested that the Finance Committee review the request. Selectman Burns stated that he spoke with the Fire Department regarding the high cost of diesel fuel and believed this may be a good idea, but he also suggested that if they could get $5,000 for the sale of the car, that money could be used to purchase a more economical vehicle. Mr. Burns suggested that the department institute a policy whereby a mileage log be kept indicating when a vehicle departs and returns to the fire station and the trip location(s).
During an annual open enrollment review of employee benefits, the town selected Indigo as the life insurance carrier of a $10,000 life insurance benefit for the town employees at a cost of 39¢ per thousand. The previous carrier provided a policy benefit of $2,000 at a cost of $1.00 per thousand. The town did not meet the 75% participation requirement with Indigo. Boston Mutual Insurance has agreed to provide the same benefit at the same cost without this restriction. They will also accept the completed Indigo applications for enrollment. An open enrollment will take place in September, when the school teachers return.
MSDV to accept Boston Mutual Life Insurance Company as the life insurance carrier for the town. Chairman Collins – Aye and Robert Burns – Aye.
Coordinator Phillips commented that the legal budget has been overspent by $15K, with the increase primarily due to labor arbitration. Mr. Phillips discussed override issues, which the Board of Selectmen will need to review over the coming months. The town has experienced the lowest growth in several years with the only growth from Chapter 70, state aid. It was recommended that the board hold a joint meeting with the Finance Committee to discuss what strategy will be needed to get through the next year.
Chairman Collins thanked the people from the Finance Committee who attended the recent town meeting and stated that they did a great job. He commented that something needs to be done to alleviate the burden and encouraged the residents to recycle, as every pound that is recycled saves the town money. The Board of Health has a list of items that may be recycled. Selectman Burns suggested working with vacant industrial properties to encourage new business openings.
A new selectman training program is being offered at Holy Cross on Saturday, June 21st. Selectman Burns has registered to attend.
Chairman Collins moved to old business on the agenda.
Coordinator Phillips confirmed the town flag raising ceremony at the State House for Tuesday, June 24th at 10:00 a.m. Chairman Collins will plan to attend with Coordinator Phillips, with Selectmen Burns and Ryan attending if their schedules allow.
The contract for the repair of the Police department stairs, railings, and handicap ramp has been awarded to Cali Corporation. Chairman Collins commented that as the previous contractor did a terrible job he felt there should be some financial reimbursement to the town. Selectman Burns questioned why the stairs are concrete. Coordinator Phillips stated that as they were originally concrete, the bids obtained were for replacement of what is currently in place and architectural drawings were not solicited.
The annual town meeting was held on May 20th and Chairman Collins commented that he was pleased to see new people in attendance at the meeting.
Chairman Collins moved to Coordinator news on the agenda.
Moody’s will be conducting an interview via teleconference tomorrow morning with reference to the town’s bond rating, and will issue a bond rating within two weeks. Bond counsel does not anticipate any change in the A2 rating and will be participating in the interview process.
A movie set is being constructed at the Draper Mill complex. Chairman Collins commented that the residents should be made aware of what is taking place. Coordinator Phillips has spoken with the site manager of the set and suggested June 12th as a date for a public meeting for the abutters and anyone that may be impacted. Chairman Collins stated that he believed all residents should be invited to attend. Coordinator Phillips will publish a notice in the Milford Daily News and will notify local radio station WMRC.
MSDV to notify the residents via a Public Meeting Notice. Chairman Collins – Aye and Robert Burns – Aye.
With no further business before them at 8:15 p.m. a motion was made by Chairman Collins and made unanimous by Selectman Burns to adjourn the meeting and not to reconvene RCV: Michael Collins, Chm. – Aye, and Robert Burns – Aye.
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Michael E. Collins, Chairman Robert P. Burns
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Alan J. Ryan
Hopedale Board of Selectmen
Moved, Seconded, Discussed and Voted **Roll Call Vote
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