Westport News

Members Present:               J. Duncan Albert, Chairman
                                         Steven J. Ouellette, Vice Chairman
                                         Robert P. Rebello
                                         Brian T. Valcourt
                                         Gary E. Mauk, Clerk

Also Present:                     Michael Coughlin, Town Administrator

Chairman Albert 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 Allegiance by all present.

George Cataldo - Recreation Commission RE: Status Report
Mr. George Cataldo stated the Recreation Commission is an enterprise fund in the Town. Mr. Cataldo presented many newspaper articles showcasing the Recreation programs. The items that have been handled by the Recreation include checking for asbestos, of which none was found; looking into the purchasing of a backboard for basketball; installation of air conditioning; painting and renting of the gym/community center for special occasions. Recently, the Sheriff’s Department was called to help replace the outside stage. The State Green Team allowed Mr. Bob Barboza to install perennials around the stage and a talent show will be held on September 28, 2008 using this stage. The Recreation Commission has many wonderful volunteers. Mr. Cataldo mentioned that Codimonk Nursery paid $500.00 toward the purchase of wood chips, which were placed at the playground. Mr. Sisson, Highway Surveyor helped in the spreading of these chips and also left a Highway Department truck onsite to haul away all the old staging material and debris to the landfill.

Keith Novo - Website Committee RE: Status Report
Mr. Keith Novo stated the Website Committee was formed a couple of years ago to create a Town website. The State has recognized the Town's website due to the amount of information placed on it. There are blogs for each department and there is a GIS system available, along with Historical and Cemetery links. Residents can now pay their taxes online. Mr. Novo said the system is a dynamic entity and looks well but will never be complete due to all the information yet to be entered with new information always being developed. The Website Committee has not had a meeting in the last year because he feels the Committee has accomplished its’ job. Mr. Novo said any department is welcome to go to him and he will help them out in anyway; he encourages departments to put as much information on the site as possible; any form that can be placed online would be a great help to the public.
Mr. Ouellette asked if Mr. Novo could get a list together of the departments that have not completed their online applications yet.
Mr. Mauk asked who monitors the system since the committee is done. Mr. Novo stated that was Data Processing, which is his department also.
Mr. Mauk would like Mr. Novo to bring back a list of departments not utilizing the system.
 
4-Dav Workweek Proposal RE: Board Vote
Mr. Rebello stated he felt there was not enough information to make an educated decision.
Mr. Albert said one years' worth of research on energy consumption is what is needed.
Mr. Valcourt asked if the energy companies still conduct free audits.
Mr. Mauk stated the gentleman who maintains the buildings explained that the buildings are at their maximum efficiency. Mr. Mauk noted all the letters received in opposition to this proposal.
Mr. Coughlin stated that in prior towns where he has worked, the employees wanted a four day workweek and the public wanted the one later night opening but in Westport, the employees do not want it and there is no public outcry for it either; even with contract negotiations, there are still some non-union personnel that have to be heard; not counting myself, it would directly affect the personnel who support the Board of Selectmen.
Mr. Albert stated the Town still needed to have a look at conserving energy and money but what was critical to him, was how the Town employees felt that it would be a disservice to the public.
Mr. Mauk said that he took note of the people attending the meeting and he did not realize that some people would be working 10-hour days.
Mr. Albert said the Town Accountant seemed to endorse the proposal but she is a 40-hour a week employee and he didn’t think she realizes she must work 10-hour days also.
Mr. Coughlin stated with the public and the employees not supporting this proposal, it has prompted people to think of how to conserve energy; and also what must be considered is the diversity of hours, which would create a multitude of problems.
Mr. Ouellette stated he would not consider shutting the Annex.
Mr. Rebello said his concern would be residents and contractors waiting for permits.
Mr. Mauk noted the Town Nurse and Veteran's Department would not be available 5 days a week.
Mr. Valcourt stated there is a lot going on at the Annex; he may still support extended hours but that did not seem to gather much support. At this time, Mr. Valcourt would look to the Alternative Energy Committee for suggestions of savings.
Motion made by Mr. Mauk to not go forward with the 4-day workweek proposal by the Treasurer. Second by Mr. Rebello. The Board voted unanimously in favor.

Question & Answer Period
1. David Cole asked if the Board of Selectmen were aware the agenda and correspondence for this meeting were not circulated to those requesting them.
Mr. Albert asked Mr. Cole to explain his question.
Mr. Cole responded that the agenda and correspondence were not emailed out, thus making everyone unaware of sensitive issues.
Ms. Pelland, Board of Selectmen Confidential Clerk explained that certain individuals have asked if the agenda and correspondence could be emailed to them.  Ms. Pelland explained that on the Friday prior to the Board of Selectmen’s meeting she was not in the office and therefore no meeting material was emailed but all material for the meeting such as the agenda, correspondence and Town Administrator's report were available to everyone as it always has been in the past. Anyone interested in the material could still stop by the Selectmen’s Office and pick it up.

Correspondence Requiring Action and/or Reading
1. No action was taken.
2. Motion made by Mr. Valcourt to forward a copy of the "Housing Production Plan--Notice of Pending Expiration" to the Housing Partnership Committee and to request a status update from Ms. Gale Nigrelli. Second by Mr. Rebello. The Board voted unanimously in favor.
3. Motion made by Mr. Valcourt to accept the resignation letter of Wayne Turner from the Conservation Commission and to send a letter of appreciation. Second by Mr. Ouellette. The Board voted unanimously in favor.
4. Motion made by Mr. Ouellette to appoint Jack Reynolds to the Conservation Commission. Second by Mr. Valcourt. The Board voted 2 in favor. 3-opposed (Rebello. Mauk. Albert).
Motion made by Mr. Mauk to advertise the Conservation Commission vacancy on the cable scroll with a 3-week deadline of October 1, 2008 to submit letters of interest and a decision being made by October 6,2008. Second by Mr. Rebello. The Board voted 3 in favor. 2-opposed (Ouellette. Valcourt).

Town Administrator's Report
1. Motion made by Mr. Rebello to approve and attach a "Memorandum of Understanding" to the Police Union Labor Contract. Second by Mr. Valcourt.
The Board voted 4 in favor. 1-opposed (Mauk).
2. Mr. Coughlin presented a copy of the Wind Turbine Contract, being signed by Mr.
Pitney, as an informational piece of material only.
3. It was requested that all departments involved with the Intermunicipal Water Agreement with the City of Fall River respond with comments before the next Board of Selectmen meeting.
4. Mr. David Hanlon was introduced to the Board. Mr. Hanlon will be conducting the Managerial Assessment of the Highway Department. Mr. Hanlon stated that he would like to meet with the Board of Selectmen individually, the Highway employees, Department Head and Foreman. Mr. Hanlon stated that he has no authority over the Department Head but would still like to speak with him. Mr. Hanlon would also like to meet with the Landfill and Cemetery Departments during this assessment.
Motion made by Mr. Valcourt to support Mr. Hanlon in his task. Second by Mr. Rebello. The Board voted unanimously in favor.

Consider / Reconsider
1. Response from Shellfish Warden regarding Allen Rencurrel's request.
Mr. Coughlin stated that Mr. Rencurrel came to his office, discussed this matter and was satisfied with the response received from the Shellfish Warden.
2. Approval of Executive Session Minutes of 07-02-08.
No action taken.
3.Approval of Regular Session Minutes of 07-28-08.
This item was put on hold to be addressed at the next Board of Selectmen meeting.

Other Issues
1. Mr. Ouellette asked that a copy of CNRA #2 be forwarded to the Conservation Commission and request a response. Mr. Ouellette said he thought there was a moratorium.
2. Mr. Ouellette asked if the Auto License Inspections were almost complete; he would like time to give them a better review. Mr. Coughlin responded it is in process now.
3. Mr. Rebello asked if there was a Cease and Desists Order from the Conservation Commission to the Theberge property and what was happening there; also, Mr. Rebello commended Officer DaCunha for going above and beyond his role as a Police Officer.
4. Mr. Valcourt stated the last bid protest cost the Town a lot of money and was a colossal waste of money.
5. Mr. Mauk asked if the issue between the Shellfish Warden and a couple of residents has been resolved. Mr. Coughlin stated it was in the process of being resolved.
6. Mr. Mauk asked if the Town Accountant or Auditor have given a report on “Take Home Vehicles” of the Town. Mr. Coughlin stated it was in the process.
7. Mr. Mauk asked if the Police Station Land Search Committee is being advertised on the cable scroll. Mr. Coughlin stated yes.
8. Mr. Mauk stated that he would like the Head of Maintenance to come into the Board of Selectmen's meeting and give a Status Report. Mr. Ouellette stated that it would cost the Town overtime to have him come to a meeting. Mr. Mauk stated that if it requires overtime, it should be moved.
9. Mr. Albert stated that the Public Access Coordinator needs more hours; perhaps a possible Warrant article; a change to the current salaried position to hourly and making it a 35-hour position. Mr. Ouellette said he had no problem with this but it is with the understanding that the hiring freeze is not being lifted.
Motion made by Mr. Mauk to have the Town Administrator move forward with the proposed changes to the Personnel Board for consideration. Second by Mr. Valcourt. The Board voted unanimously in favor.

Motion made by Mr. Ouellette to adjourn the Board of Selectmen's meeting at 8:10 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