Westport News

Members Present:       Veronica F. Beaulieu, Chairman
                                 J. Duncan Albert, Vice Chairman
                                 Steven J. Ouellette
                                 Robert P. Rebello
                                 Gary E. Mauk, Clerk

Also Present:            Charlene R. Wood, Town Administrator
                               Michael Coughlin

Ms. Beaulieu called the Board of Selectmen meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. in the Westport Town Hall, 816 Main Road, Westport, MA with the reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance by all present.

Susan Oliveira, Council on Aging RE: Staff Appointments
Motion made by Mr. Ouellette to appoint Elizabeth M. Souza as Activity Director/Administrative Assistant for Senior Social Day Program.  Second by Mr. Rebello.  
The Board Voted Unanimously in Favor.

Motion made by Mr. Ouellette to appoint Kimberly Marie Torpey as Program Aide for the Senior Social Day Program.  Second by Mr. Rebello.  The Board Voted Unanimously in Favor.

Motion made by Mr. Ouellette to appoint Judith Turner as Program Aide for the Senior Social Day Program.  Second by Mr. Rebello.  The Board Voted Unanimously in Favor.

Motion made by Mr. Ouellette to appoint Marilyn A. Massi as Program Aide for the Senior Social Day Program.  Second by Mr. Rebello.  The Board Voted Unanimously in Favor.

Motion made by Mr. Ouellette to appoint Raymond E. Plourde as a Van Driver for the Council on Aging.  Second by Mr. Rebello.  The Board Voted Unanimously in Favor.

Motion made by Mr. Rebello to appoint Kimberly M. Boulay as a Transportation Clerk for the Council on Aging.  Second by Mr. Albert.  The Board Voted Unanimously in Favor.

Motion made by Mr. Rebello to appoint Valorie J. Schofield as a Transportation Clerk for the Council on Aging.  Second by Mr. Albert.  The Board Voted Unanimously in Favor.

Russell Guerreiro RE: Trailer Permit Hearing for a 12-month permit for sales & construction office purposes on land located at Kyle Jacob Road, Assessor’s Map-24, Lot 142.
The public hearing was opened at 6:17 p.m.  Ms. Beaulieu read aloud the public hearing notice and abutters list.  Present was David Coen, representing Russell Guerreiro.  No abutters were present.  Mr. Coen stated that the trailer will be used for daytime sales of the various lots and houses for sale.  A port-o-john will be utilized.  
Motion made by Mr. Rebello to approve the request for a 12-month trailer permit for sales & construction office to Russell Guerreiro.  Second by Mr. Mauk.  The Board Voted Unanimously in Favor.
The hearing was closed at 6:23 p.m.

Richard Bates RE:  Trailer Permit Hearing for a 6-month permit for recreational purposes on Lot 142 West Beach Road, Assessor’s Map-76A, Lot 142.
The public hearing was opened at 6:30 p.m. Ms. Beaulieu read aloud the public hearing notice and abutters list.  Mr. Bates was not present, he called the office earlier stating that he worked the night shift and was called to work.  No abutters were present.
Ms. Wood stated that Mr. Bates’ mother past away and the permit needs to be transferred into his name.
Mr. Mauk asked if there was a septic system on the property.  Ms. Wood stated that this lot is in another area and not in question.
Motion made by Mr. Mauk to approve the request for a 6-month trailer permit for recreational purposes at 142 West Beach Road to Richard Bates.  Second by Mr. Rebello.  The Board Voted Unanimously in Favor.

Norwest Auto Sales, Inc., Wayne M. Medeiros-President RE: Transfer of Class II License to be located at 937 State Road.
The public hearing was opened at 6:45 p.m.  Ms. Beaulieu read aloud the public hearing and abutters list.  Present were Wayne M. Medeiros and Dominick Plourde.  No abutters were present.  
Mr. Mauk stated that according to the Assessor’s Records, 937 State Road was not an address.
Ms. Beaulieu stated that there has never been a transfer of this license from Donna Rebello, whom we have on record as the owner, to Jill Harris, who is transferring the license to you.
Mr. Mauk stated that in reviewing the application, 1,000 shares are the corporation, but only 200 shares are being transferred to you.  There is 800 shares outstanding, making the holder of those shares the major owner and so, he or she should be here before the Board of Selectmen.
Mr. Medeiros stated that he would be locating to the property where there is a car inspection business and stove place.
Mr. Albert stated that he was confused on the layout of the property in respect to the car inspections.
Mr. Mauk stated that there were at least six businesses located on this property which includes car inspections, shed sales, playground equipment, wood furnace shop and landscaping business, all without a business certificate on record.
Ms. Beaulieu stated that there is a sign-off from the Fire Chief and the Building Inspector.  Ms. Beaulieu stated that she went by the property today and can’t see how it is possible to get this many cars on the lot.
Mr. Mauk suggested that Donna Rebello and Jill Harris come to the Board of Selectmen’s meeting in order to transfer this license.
Mr. Albert stated that he would like a new parking plan submitted.
Mr. Medeiros stated that the State Police have been to the property and recommended chaining off where the cars will be parked, in order to make a distinction from the other businesses.
Mr. Mauk stated that the Board of Selectmen is trying to keep it fair to other businesses in Town, which are doing what needs to be done.
Motion made by Mr. Mauk to continue this hearing to May 21, 2007 at 6:30 p.m. with the submission of a new parking plan.  Second by Mr. Albert.  The Board Voted Unanimously in Favor.

Alternative Energy Committee
Ms. Beaulieu stated that she asked to have the Alternative Energy Committee put on the agenda in order to get as many answers as possible regarding wind turbines.
Alternative Energy Committee members present were David Dionne, Lucy Keefe, Susan Pedreira, Nathan Byrnes and Kathleen Cummings.  Mr. Dionne submitted a packet to the Board of Selectmen along with copies of meeting minutes.
The Board of Selectmen questioned the Alternative Energy Committee regarding the placement of the wind turbine.
Mr. Mauk asked who the contractor would be.  Mr. Dionne stated the lowest bidder.
Mr. Mauk asked how much of the work could be done by the Highway Department.  
Mr. Dionne noted that in the request for bids, it was stated the Highway Department would do the work.
Ms. Beaulieu stated that the wind turbine will be located near the Highway Department garage and will be connected by a trench to the Town Hall across the parking lot.
Mr. Dionne said that he has spoken with Mr. Sisson of the Highway Department, and Mr. Sisson stated that he sees no problem.
Ms. Beaulieu also noted that there is water pipes, septic system and water wells that need to be considered.
Also, Ms. Beaulieu stated that there was an article in the newspapers, and there was mention of a second grant.  Ms. Beaulieu stated that there would be the initial check once the tower is up and a second check after the tower was up and running for one year.
Mr. Dionne stated that was news to him about the second grant but there are green initiatives afterwards.
Mr. Mauk questioned the output of kilowatts and requested a performance report on the output.  Mr. Mauk also requested information regarding inverters, proposed tie-in and all the required permits for the wind turbine.  Mr. Mauk also stated that the maintenance of this wind turbine could be done by Town employees, but questioned what skill level was needed for this.
Ms. Beaulieu noted that there is a warranty for maintenance for five years but she would like to see what the fee is after the warranty ends.
Mr. Rebello asked if power could be used at another building in addition to the Town Hall.
Ms. Pedreira stated that MTC allows users to tie in.
Ms. Beaulieu noted that the article said to be used specifically by the Town Hall. Ms. Beaulieu then questioned the additional cost of insurance.
Mr. Albert stated that these were things that needed to be looked into.  Mr. Albert also stated that there was new State regulations dealing with Hurricane Regulation.
Mr. Dionne stated that he would gather all the information and answers to the Board of Selectmen’s questions and would contact the Chairman once all the information was ready.

Question and Answer Period
1) Ms. Gay Newcomer asked a question regarding the Adult Entertainment Article; if the article had passed, would the Town have been protected from any lawsuits.
Ms. Beaulieu stated that the attorney made a presentation and that is true, the Town would have been protected.  Personally, Ms. Beaulieu would have liked it passed and the Town protected.

Correspondence Requiring Action and/or Reading
1) Motion made by Mr. Rebello to appoint Harold Sisson as Delegate to the Joint Transportation Planning Group (JTPG).  Second by Mr. Albert.  The Board Voted Unanimously in Favor.
2) Ms. Beaulieu read aloud a notice from National Grid in order to make residents aware of consultants in the area performing studies, inspecting facilities, taking measurements and photographs and gathering survey information along their electric transmission line corridor.  The work is taking place throughout the summer months.
3) Motion made by Mr. Rebello to take this item under advisement for two weeks in order for Mr. Mauk to meet with Ms. Arnold, Charles Tavares and N Star to discuss the different rates.  Second by Mr. Albert.  The Board Voted Unanimously in Favor.
4) Motion made by Mr. Ouellette that Tim Richards be contacted regarding the Max Performance Cycling Road Race and inform him that proof of hiring police details and a confirmation from Mass Highway for use of the roads be presented to the Board of Selectmen and should he have any questions he can contact Sgt. Jeffrey Majewski at the Police Dept.  Second by Mr. Rebello.  The Board Voted Unanimously in Favor.
5) Ms. Beaulieu read aloud an invitation to attend the Memorial Day Services, ceremonies and parade on Memorial Day, May 28, 2007 beginning at 8:00 a.m. at the VFW, 843 State Road.
6) Motion made by Mr. Albert to appoint Lino Rego as an At-Large member to the Agricultural Open Space Council.  Second by Mr. Ouellette.  The Board Voted Unanimously in Favor.
7) Ms. Beaulieu read aloud a letter received from the Fire Department to the Police Department commending Lieutenant John Bell and Officer Scott Arrington for their apprehension of two juveniles that set a structure fire on April 24, 2007.
8) Motion made by Mr. Ouellette to accept with regrets the resignation letter of Selena Howard from the Council on Aging Board and to send a letter of thanks to her.  Second by Mr. Rebello.  The Board Voted Unanimously in Favor.
9) Ms. Beaulieu read aloud a letter received from the House of Representatives Office of Congressman Frank regarding the Westport Harbor Dredging Project.
10) The Board of Selectmen will post a meeting for May 22, 2007 at 5:00 p.m. to meet jointly with the School Committee regarding interviews and appointment of a new member to the School Committee.
11) Motion made by Mr. Ouellette to accept with regrets the request for non-reappointment of Charles A. Costa from the Community Preservation Committee and to send a letter of thanks to him.  Second by Mr. Rebello.  The Board Voted Unanimously in Favor.
12) A letter received from Susan M. Costa requesting reappointment to Council on Aging Board was taken under advisement.
13) Motion made by Mr. Mauk to appoint Denise Bouchard as the Parking Clerk.  Second by Mr. Rebello.  The Board Voted Unanimously in Favor.

Town Administrators Report
Mr. Coughlin thanked Ms. Charlene Wood, Ms. Denise Bouchard and Ms. Diane Pelland for their help in making this a smooth transition into the Town Administrator’s Office.  Mr. Coughlin also stated that the Town did a great job at Town Meeting.

2A)  Motion made by Mr. Rebello to accept and sign the Special Election warrant for Tuesday,   
        June 26, 2007.  Second by Mr. Ouellette.  The Board Voted Unanimously in Favor.
2B)  Motion made by Mr. Mauk to take under advisement the Audit Committee proposal
        submitted by John Miller at this time.  Second by Mr. Rebello.  The Board Voted
        Unanimously in Favor.
2C)  Motion made by Mr. Ouellette to approve the agreement extension for the North Town   
        Farm Apartment to June 30, 2008 for the monthly rental of $750.00.  Second by Mr.
        Rebello.  The Board Voted Unanimously in Favor.
2D)  Motion made by Mr. Rebello to accept the bids from Noonan Brothers of West  
        Bridgewater for the Town’s motor fuels.  Second by Mr. Ouellette.  The Board Voted
        Unanimously in Favor.

Mr. Coughlin requested an Executive Session to discuss a Highway Department grievance, contract negotiations, litigation and approval of Executive Session Minutes.

Other Issues
1) Mr. Mauk asked if proceeding to sell the boat “Janice B” have commenced.
Ms. Wood stated that Gary Sherman will be contacting the owners and report back to the Board of Selectmen.

2) Mr. Mauk asked what the status of the soil permits were.
Mr. Albert stated that back in 1995, all the businesses were permitted and maybe grandfathered.  The Soil Board may require variances.

3) Mr. Mauk stated that he has seen a letter of complaint regarding a home on Sanford Road, where is this situation.  
Ms. Wood stated that a copy of the letter was sent to the Building Inspector and the Board of Health so they may look into this matter.  The Building Inspector will be working with the homeowner.

4) Ms. Beaulieu announced that anyone wishing to be reappointed to any particular board, committee or commission should submit a letter of interest to the Board of Selectmen’s Office.

5) Ms. Beaulieu requested that a memo be sent to all departments requesting a list of their current, up-to-date fees being charged along with any suggestions of upping their fees and a list of where the fees that are collected get deposited.

6) Mr. Mauk asked if a letter to Sgt. Majewski has been sent regarding line painting at East Beach.

7) Mr. George Cataldo asked what was happening with the diners on Hix Bridge Road.  Mr. Cataldo stated that they were not just an eyesore but also a safety hazard.  
      Ms. Wood stated that some of the diners were being taxed as personal property.

Executive Session – 8:10 p.m.
Motion made by Mr. Rebello to enter into Executive Session pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 39, Section 23B to discuss a Highway Department Grievance, Contract Negotiations, Litigation (ZBA vs. Franco case) and approval of Executive Session Minutes. Second by Mr. Ouellette.  The Board Voted Unanimously in Favor.

Roll Call Vote:  Mr. Rebello-aye.  Mr. Albert-aye.  Mr. Mauk-aye.  Mr. Ouellette-aye.  Ms. Beaulieu-aye.

Ms. Beaulieu announced that the Board would return to Open Session in order to adjourn.

Open Session – 9:10 p.m.
1) Motion made by Mr. Ouellette to approve an agreement with the former Town Administrator that her retirement shall be effective as of June 30, 2007, with Ms. Wood commencing vacation from May 18, 2007 to that time.  Also, Ms. Wood will be retained at $35.00 per hour with a cap of $1,400.00 for consulting services.  Second by Mr. Mauk.  The Board Voted Unanimously in Favor.
2) Motion made by Mr. Ouellette to allow Mr. Ballou to remove a dead tree at the Town Hall Annex if it is not a memorial issue.  Second by Mr. Rebello.  The Board Voted Unanimously in Favor.

Motion made by Mr. Ouellette to adjourn the Board of Selectmen meeting at 9:15 p.m.  Second by Mr. Rebello.  The Board Voted Unanimously in Favor.

Adjournment.

Respectfully submitted,


Diane Pelland, Confidential Clerk
to the Board of Selectmen


APPROVED: Gary E. Mauk, Clerk