BOARD OF SELECTMEN

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

MONDAY

AUGUST 22, 2011

 

Members Present:                 Richard M. Spirlet, Chairman

                                                Craig J. Dutra, Vice Chairman

                                                Steven J. Ouellette

                        Antone C. Vieira Jr.

                        James W. Coyne, Clerk

 

Chairman Spirlet 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.

 

Interim Town Administrator Second Interview - RE: John F. “Jack” Healey.

Mr. Spirlet stated this was a second interview in the process to fill the Interim Town Administrator position.  Four candidates were interviewed and the Board has narrowed it down to two candidates; one candidate is not available for interview tonight.  At this time, Mr. Spirlet asked Mr. Healey to give a brief summary of his background.

Mr. Healey stated he retired in August 2007, full-time, after a long career as a Town Manager.  He has served part-time in various communities such as Norton, Southbridge, Kingston and currently in Freetown as Town Manager. It is a fun career and he enjoys it.  Mr. Healey stated he has a Masters’ in Community Development, a Bachelors’ in Psychology and went to law school for Law Review.  Mr. Healey stated he is up to the challenge of helping the Board and various departments and to serve the community.  Mr. Healey stated he looks forward to goals and objectives from the Board.  Mr. Healey stated he can start on October 1, 2011 and give 3-4 days of service to Westport in order to split his time to fulfill his commitment to Freetown.  Mr. Healey stated that it is not possible to do this type of job on a part-time basis.  Mr. Healey stated he would be in the Town Hall starting on September 1^st and taking on some responsibilities.  Mr. Healey stated he is a team player, not a dictator and he often seeks out the opinions of others.  Mr. Healey stated he understood the Board sets policy.  Mr. Healey noted that in researching Westport, there is not a lack of information.  Mr. Healey stated it is important to work to achieve common goals; this he has managed to achieve in other communities.  As for budgets, Mr. Healey stated they don’t get easier but in Freetown he managed to increase their Stabilization Fund; it is all about prioritizing and finding new ways to generate new revenue.  Mr. Healey stated he would like to explore solar power for the Town’s capped landfill, as he has done in another community.  Mr. Healey stated that presently he is under contract with Freetown as Interim but there is a provision for a two-week notice of leaving, so he can come to Westport as Interim Town Administrator without pay until he leaves Freetown.  Mr. Coyne asked if there would be any legal problems with Mr. Healey in Town not being paid.  Mr. Spirlet stated that could be checked by legal and if there was, perhaps a pay of $1.00 per month could be used.  Mr. Vieira stated there was an advantage to someone coming in who is experienced and can start off running.  Mr. Ouellette noted the Board has already grilled Mr. Healey during his first interview; Mr. Healey appears to be low-key and can hit the ground running.  Mr. Ouellette stated that he has worked with Mr. Healey during SRPEDD projects.  Mr. Healey stated he was not sure of any top priorities, but he would make that assessment after talking with the Department Heads and staff.  Mr. Healey stated he would read all the information, including the Audit Report and will see how the employees feel about the report.

Motion made by Mr. Vieira to offer John Healey the position of Interim Town Administrator, working conditionally until a salary and benefit package is available.  Second by Mr. Ouellette.  The Board voted unanimously in favor.

 

Veterans’ Agent Interviews - RE: Michael Geary, Robert Mello and Jerry LeBouef.

Mr. Coyne thanked the committee members for their time and dedication in the search for a Veterans Agent – Lino Rego, Joseph Aquilla, Donald Davidson, Richard Benevides and Gregory Jonsson; also, Mr. Coyne thanked present Veterans Agent Ronald Costa, for all his service.  Mr. Coyne stated there were eleven applications received; two withdrew leaving nine, which were interviewed.  The Committee has forwarded the top three candidates for final interview.  Mr. Coyne stated that he would be abstaining from the final interviews and voting due to one of the candidates being a client of his. 

Mr. Dutra questioned whether background checks were conducted on the finalists.  Mr. Coyne stated no.  Mr. Dutra noted that a background check could be a condition of employment.  Mr. Coyne stated the finalists were Michael Geary, Robert Mello and Jerry LeBouef; the candidates were not in any particular order.

Robert Mello stated he is originally from Lakeville.  Mr. Mello has served in the Army for 3 years with service in Vietnam.  Mr. Mello has a Bachelor’s in Account Management and has worked for the Inspector Generals Office under various departments such as the Dept. of the Treasury as Audit Manager, Senior Auditor for the Health and Human Services and Dept. of Agriculture as an Auditor. Mr. Mello also stated that he has been a volunteer for the VA.  Mr. Mello stated that his background is in management, auditing/accounting and he can deal with the social services aspect of being a Veterans Agent.  Mr. Mello stated it is important to follow the rules of Chapter 115 for reimbursement.  Mr. Mello stated that he is aware of the VA payrate.  Also, Mr. Mello stated that his public interaction was mostly with staff and presentations to other agencies but he has no problem with public contact.  Mr. Mello stated that he feels he is a good candidate with his background and State/Federal training. Mr. Vieira stated the Board has received some very good candidates with impressive backgrounds. Mr. Vieira told Mr. Mello thank you for serving our country and applying for the position.   The Board thanked Mr. Mello for coming in.

Michael J. Geary stated that he is from Foxboro and was in the National Guard for almost ten years.   Mr. Geary stated he has done three tours in Iraq.  Mr. Geary stated he has worked with his soldiers to help them understand the benefits that they are entitled to; this Mr. Geary began overseas even before returning to the States. Mr. Geary has achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant, being recognized by Commanding Officers and the Army with many awards and decorations during his active duty.  Mr. Geary stated he is a senior non-commissioned officer.  Mr. Geary is the Commander of the Veterans Post in Foxboro and has been a Sr. and Jr. VCO for those returning and current.  Currently, he is doing an outreach program rather than waiting for veterans to come to see him.  Mr. Geary stated the payscale is not an issue.  Mr. Spirlet noted that employment would be conditional upon a background check.  Mr. Vieira stated again, that the Board has received some very good candidates with impressive backgrounds. Mr. Vieira told Mr. Geary, as he did Mr. Mello, thank you for serving our country and applying for the position.  The Board thanked Mr. Geary for coming in.

Jerry LeBoeuf stated he basically grew up in Westport, since he was four years old.  Mr. LeBoeuf reviewed his background with the Board and stated that he has applied as a prison guard and is waiting to hear from them now but he would prefer this position.  Mr. LeBoeuf stated he can bring a professional background to the table and he is able to use the totality of his experiences, especially those from being a Marine along with the help of present Veterans Agent Ronald Costa to help and take care of veterans and their families.  Mr. LeBoeuf stated he served two and half years overseas in Dessert Shield and Dessert Storm and was honorably discharged as a non-commissioned officer.  Mr. LeBoeuf stated he would study and learn all that he can about the resources available for veterans and he will get the right answers.  Mr. Vieira stated that Mr. LeBoeuf is a resident and that is some nice to see and thanked Mr. LeBoeuf for coming in and applying to the position.  The Board thanked Mr. LeBoeuf for coming in.

At this time, Mr. Coyne stated again, he wanted to publicly thank the Committee Members for their time and effort.

Motion made by Mr. Dutra to send thank you letters to members of the Committee.  Second by Mr. Ouellette.  The Board voted unanimously in favor.

Discussion:

Mr. Vieira stated that all three candidates were excellent choices but one is a resident, he has served in the armed forces and has a Bachelors’ in Accounting and can serve the veterans of Westport. 

Mr. Dutra stated the second candidate was a peer leader but residency is important.

Motion made by Mr. Vieira to offer Jerry LeBoeuf the Veterans Agent position after a background check is completed and at least two or three references are received.  Second by Mr. Ouellette.  The Board voted 4 in favor, 1-abstention (Coyne).

Motion made by Mr. Ouellette to send letters to the other two applicants and to keep their resumes on file for one year.  Second by Mr. Vieira. The Board voted 4 in favor, 1-abstention (Coyne).

 

Interviews for appointment to the Zoning Board of Appeals - RE: Heather L. Salva and Kendal Tripp.

Mr. Spirlet stated there were two applicants to the Alternate position on the Zoning Board of Appeals, Heather Salva and Kendal Tripp.

Heather Salva stated she just moved to Westport in October with her two children and works for the City of Fall River Health & Human Services as a Head Clerk.  Mr. Spirlet noted that even an alternate position must attend all meetings and was she willing to make that commitment; Ms. Salva stated yes.  Mr. Dutra asked if she had an association with a present member.  Ms. Salva stated that Donna Lambert was her aunt.  Mr. Dutra stated Ms. Salva is on a number of commissions in Fall River and has a great background and would be an asset; the ZBA has to deal with a lot of decision making and sometimes there are split votes, Mr. Dutra stated his concern was influence on voting.  Mr. Vieira noted also that Ms. Salva’s background is great and an asset.  Mr. Ouellette noted that Ms. Salva has no past experience dealing with zoning.  Mr. Spirlet stated he would call legal to check whether there is any conflict if the membership is related.  The Board thanked Ms. Salva for coming in.  Ms. Salva asked that the Board keep her in mind for the position. 

At this time, the second applicant Kendall Tripp has not come to the interviews.

It was noted that Mr. Tripp came to the Selectmen’s Office on August 15, 2011 and was upset at an “alternate” position after serving all this time on the ZBA as a full-time member.  Mr. Tripp was noted as saying, his attendance may not get any better because he is taking more vacations and does have conflicts due to working in Town; if he does not show up at the Board of Selectmen’s Meeting, he is no longer interested. Mr. Vieira asked Ms. Pelland, Confidential Clerk to the Board of Selectmen, whether this was her opinion or if Mr. Tripp stated this.  Ms. Pelland responded that Mr. Tripp came in and that was his message to the Board.

Motion made by Mr. Vieira to appointment Heather Salva as an Alternate Member to the Zoning Board of Appeals pending a check with legal for a conflict of interest.  Second by Mr. Coyne.  The Board voted 4 in favor, 1-abstention (Dutra).

 

Warren Messier - RE: Update on Town Hall & Town Hall Annex project.

Community Preservation Commission Co-Chairs Warren Messier and Elizabeth Collins were present to update the Board on the Town Hall and Town Hall Annex projects.  Mr. Messier stated the original floors in the Annex such as main corridors and meeting room have been repaired, resurfaced with a sealer and three coats of polyurethane.  The exterior is being worked on and painted.  Testing of the paint showed no lead except in the back of the building where the paint was peeling.  The entire process had to be done in compliance with the lead laws in MA, with the back of the building being draped and vacuumed. As a result, an upgrade of the contract was needed.  The CPC had the funds necessary.  As for the handicap entrance, the ramps will be replaced as soon as possible and the roof has been found to be good.  The damaged interior areas are being replaced by the Sheriff’s Dept. on Thursday and Friday, with the majority of the work being completed soon.  As for the murals on the wall, which were painted by the Diman students, the Historical Commission has stated they are not of historic value.  The employees in the Annex say the murals are not professional and the light refraction is terrible, with almost no light in the area because the murals are making the area dark.  Mr. Messier asked the Board for guidance on the murals.  The Historic Preservation states the murals are not a historic presence and the building is under the Historic Preservation, so at this point the Community Preservation Commission could only do so much; the Board has jurisdiction over the interior.  The Board of Selectmen members will look at the inside of the building and decide at a later meeting.  Mr. Coyne stated the walkway on the southside of the building is in total violation because there is no handrail and also the handrail at the front door is ready to go; could we have someone look at it. 

George Cataldo stated the gym needs work also on the floors, stage and walls but no one has contacted the Recreation Commission.  Mr. Spirlet stated the Board did mention it at their last meeting.  Mr. Messier stated that CPC can’t do maintenance, just restoration, no repairs but Mr. Messier stated he would take a look.  Ms. Collins asked the Board to keep in mind when visiting the Annex, the hallway upstairs is very dark and needs brightening, this alone will be welcoming to the community. As for recreation, there is a representative from Recreation on the CPC; Recreation needs to talk about these things at their meetings.  Mr. Cataldo stated that Codimonk Nursery uses the gym also, it was in need of repair 15 years ago, the walls may be lead paint also.  Mr. Messier again stated that CPC funds, according to the regulations, could only be used to do historic preservation.  Mr. Messier stated that in regards to the Town Hall, there is asbestos on the floor and asked that no wax be put on the floor due to encapsulation. The company that was hired backed out of the project due to the asbestos and now, CPC will be required to do a new RFP for encapsulating the floors and the removal of the tiles. Removal would require closure of the building.  Mr. Spirlet and Mr. Vieira both agreed that this is a concern that needs to be addressed immediately, CPC needs to make this a priority and should not wait for their next regular meeting.  Mr. Messier stated he will work on the language that the committee will need to accept; there is a meeting this Thursday and then another regular meeting to resolve the RFP and then it can be put in the papers.  Ms. Collins stated that in absence of a Town Administrator, who should do the RFP; normally, it is the Town Administrator that does it.  Ms. Denise Bouchard, Secretary to the Board of Selectmen, stated that before the RFP is completed, there has to be application for prevailing wage and placement on the State’s Bid List.  Also, Ms. Bouchard stated she has a boilerplate that can be followed.  Mr. Messier stated a detailed plan of the Town Hall will be needed, CPC does not have one.  Ms. Collins asked how soon CPC could expect to this close. Mr. Spirlet stated that when the interim Town Administrator comes on board September 1st, this would be his priority.  Ms. Collins asked how soon the CPC could expect the boilerplate from the Board of Selectmen.  Mr. Spirlet stated it would be sent out tomorrow so the CPC can fill out as much as they can and then the Board will fill out whatever is left. Mr. Vieira stated that Ms. Bouchard would provide the materials needed to the CPC. Mr. Messier stated that no further work in the Annex Offices would be taking place with CPC money; the painting in the Planning Dept. was done by the Sheriff’s Dept. without CPC money.  Mr. Messier stated that right now, the Town Hall slate roof leakage is an immediate concern.  The Board thanked the CPC members for coming in.

 

Elaine Ostroff - RE: Update on Central Village Sidewalk project.

Ms. Ostroff, giving an update on the sidewalk project, stated the owners in the area of the Linden Tree do not want a sidewalk on their property; the DOT feels the sidewalk should be straight along the road, which means removal of the tree.  As for Town Counsel, they have stated that if the tree is partly in a public way, the Board of Selectmen must vote to remove the tree by the Tree Warden.  Ms. Ostroff stated the committee was asking for an assessment of the tree, which would be authorized by the Board of Selectmen.  Mr. Ouellette stated there has been a lot of hearings and some want the tree to stay but a majority don’t care.  Mr. Spirlet stated that even if the tree is healthy, it is in a public way.  Ms. Ostroff noted that this is a project for the safety of pedestrians.  Ms. Ostroff stated the DOT felt it was a liability.  Mr. Wayne Sunderland stated that the DOT would take the money out of the project.  Mr. Cataldo asked why the property was not taken under eminent domain.  Ms. Ostroff stated she did not know where the money is to remove the tree.  Mr. Messier stated there was no funding source built into to remove the tree; the Town is responsible for any takings and easements.  Ms. Ostroff stated she was told that Ch. 90 funds could be used.  Mr. Spirlet stated at the next meeting, the right-of-way would be discussed.  The Board thanked Ms. Ostroff for the update.

 

Ponds Committee - RE: Update.

Mr. Spirlet stated this item would be addressed at a later meeting.

 

George & Susan Smith - RE: Complaint.

Mr. George Smith, owner of 594 Drift Road was present.  Mr. Spirlet read into record the letter received from Mr. Smith.  Mr. Spirlet stated that the area is being washed out due to water problems.  Mr. Smith stated he could sue the Town because he could not plant a field due to the water problem created by the Town.  Highway Surveyor Sisson stated that presently there is gravel in the area but it will not be staying, asphalt has to be placed there.  Mr. Ouellette stated that he received a call about the work going on in the area and asked that it be checked out; Mr. Spirlet gave permission to the Highway Dept. to correct the problem.  Mr. Sisson stated he did not get permission from Mr. Spirlet, he was asked to get this area fixed.  Mr. Ouellette stated that after Town Meeting, he received an explanation and he dropped it.  Mr. Vieira apologized to Mr. Smith for the misunderstanding and that the Town valued the friendship of Mr. Smith’s business. Mr. Vieira stated that he was glad that Mr. Smith came to the meeting tonight to clear up any misunderstandings.  Ms. Elizabeth Collins stated that it was wonderful that the Board of Selectmen apologized to Mr. Smith but in the future, the Board of Selectmen needs to get all the facts before taking any action with anyone. 

 

Police Chief Keith Pelletier - RE: Lifting of hiring freeze –Dispatcher Position.

Chief Pelletier gave a recap of his request to the Board. Mr. Spirlet asked if there were any changes to the job description.  Chief Pelletier stated there were no changes for the E-911 Dispatcher position but in the future, yes there would be but at this time no.  Mr. Spirlet asked if this was posted internally.  Chief Pelletier stated the part-time to full-time position was posted, yes.  Mr. Spirlet asked if there were any other positions. Chief Pelletier stated one part-time being committed to full-time.  Ms. Botelho, Union President stated the Union has a problem with this request because the posting was not done properly; the Board of Selectmen’s Secretary does the posting and it was not done in all the normal posting places; also, the job description is not the one that is on file in the Board of Selectmen’s Secretary’s book.  The Union has a problem because the two dispatchers are Union employees and the candidates are non-union; also, the posting has to be for seven days. Mr. Spirlet asked who is responsible for this process.  Ms. Botelho stated it is the responsibility of the Board of Selectmen’s Secretary to post, collect resumes and contact the Department Head and it is from there the Department Head makes a decision.  Ms. Botelho stated this information is listed in the employment checklist.  Mr. Spirlet asked Ms. Bouchard what happened.  Ms. Bouchard stated the Chief came in and asked to post.  Ms. Bouchard stated she was not sure of what the Chief had, she did not see what he had but told him to post it near the time clock in the Town Hall.  Chief Pelletier stated the Union needed to file a grievance in order to bring this forward; all the information was out there but not one person could call the Chief’s office, which is just across the driveway and contact the Chief.  Chief Pelletier stated he did however receive a call from Ms. Botelho and as Union President stated she did not have a problem with the posting according to the contract.  Ms. Botelho stated the agreement calls only for the Town Hall time clock as the posting place and it has to be posted for seven days.  However, the past practice is that Ms. Bouchard has handled all the postings.  Chief Pelletier stated he went to Ms. Bouchard and was told to post, no one told him he had to post everywhere.  Ms. Susan Brayton stated the BOS policy says that before posting, the Department Head has to come before the BOS for permission to post.  Ms. Botelho stated the practice has been the same for the past 6 to 6 ½ years, whether it is union or non-union.  Mr. Spirlet stated his concern was that the Chief went to the Selectmen’s Secretary for guidance and was misinformed.  Ms. Botelho stated the Selectmen’s Secretary gave misinformation and that led to the problem; also, all union positions requesting a change of job description should go to the Union, not the Personnel Board.

Motion made by Mr. Vieira that the Board of Selectmen support the Police Chief’s request to temporarily take part-time positions to full-time in order to fill slots based on discussions and to redo the posting for seven days in the appropriate places and then for the Chief to come back before the Board with his recommendations.  Second by Mr. Coyne.  The Board voted unanimously in favor.

 

Question and Answer Period

None.

 

Correspondence Requiring Action and/or Reading

1.      Motion made by Mr. Coyne to approve the Westport River Watershed Alliance and Estuaries Committee’s request to use the Town Hall Annex Meeting room on Wednesday, September 14, 2011 from 1:00 to 4:30 PM to co-host a presentation on “Comprehensive Wastewater Management”.  Second by Mr. Vieira.  The Board voted unanimously in favor.

2.      A copy of a letter of recognition for Lucy Tabit, Planning Board clerk is to be placed in her personnel file.

3.      No action taken.

4.      Motion made by Mr. Vieira to approve a proclamation for “Constitution Week”.  Second by Mr. Ouellette.  The Board voted 4 in favor, 1-absent (Coyne).

5.      No action taken, a copy of the Annual Meeting invitation for the Association of Town Finance Committees’ 2011 will be forwarded to all committees including the Finance Committee.

6.      The Board asked that Mr. Robert Russell, Westport Rivers Vineyard be invited to their next meeting to discuss the request of creating a local farmer brewery / farmer winery pouring permit.

7.      Motion made by Mr. Dutra to forward the Fire and Police Department recommendations for the Highland Avenue Bridge timber replacements to the MA DOT Highway Director.  Second by Mr. Ouellette.  The Board voted unanimously in favor.

8.      Ms. Bouchard stated that she always updates the Bylaws once the Attorney General has approved them.  Ms. Jane Loos stated the Historical Commission Bylaws are not within the bylaws.  Ms. Bouchard stated they never have been.  Mr. Vieira stated that all bylaws should be included.

9.      Chief Pelletier spoke on the Skate Park at Bicentennial Park on Gifford Road.  Chief  

Pelletier stated he spoke with George Cataldo on this matter.  In the past, there was a Recreation Director who oversaw matters like this but that position is longer.  The park was vandalized again; the condition of the park is appalling with broken glass, fence poles sticking out of the ground and graffiti. It also seems to be a hangout site for a crowd of young men.  Chief Pelletier presented several pictures taken of the area to the members.  This is not a safe environment for children.  Across the country, everywhere is facing the same type of problem and volunteers have come forward to police these parks; there needs to be more dialogue between the Recreation Commission and the Selectmen. Mr. Spirlet stated he received calls of concern about the signage in the park and the enforcement of it.  Mr. Cataldo stated he went to the park with Tom Shaughanessy to have a look around.  Mr. Cataldo will be coming into the Selectmen’s next meeting for an update regarding this problem.

 

Town Administrator’s Report

No report.

 

Consider / Reconsider

1.      Motion made by Mr. Vieira to appoint Paul Joncas as Conservation Commission Representative to the Agricultural Open Space Trust Fund Council and R. Michael Sullivan as Conservation Commission Representative to the Community Preservation Committee. Second by Mr. Ouellette. The Board voted unanimously in favor.

2.      Motion made by Mr. Ouellette to appoint Marshall Ronco as Reserve Police Officer effective 8/22/11.  Second by Mr. Vieira.  The Board voted unanimously in favor.

3.      Motion made by Mr. Dutra to approve a One-Day All Alcoholic Liquor Permit for the Portuguese Madeirense Club.  Second by Mr. Vieira.  The Board voted unanimously in favor.

4.      Motion made by Mr. Vieira to appoint Theodore Kinnari as a Regular Member to the Historical Commission.  Second by Mr. Coyne.  The Board voted unanimously in favor.

Motion made by Mr. Dutra to appoint Christine Vezetinski as an Alternate Member to the Historical Commission and to maintain the status of Alternate Members on this Commission.  Second by Mr. Ouellette.  The Board voted 4 in favor, 1-opposed (Spirlet).

5.      Motion made by Mr. Vieira to delete “snow removal” from the letter to MA Highway.  Second by Mr. Ouellette.  The Board voted unanimously in favor.

Motion made by Mr. Dutra to approve the letter to MA Highway regarding sidewalks on the frontage of 474 & 484 State Road as amended and with clarification that the applicant is responsible for removal of snow and ice.  Second by Mr. Vieira.  The Board voted unanimously in favor.

6.      Motion made by Mr. Ouellette to sign the Tax Increment Financing Agreement between the Town of Westport and Mid City Steel.  Second by Mr. Vieira.  The Board voted unanimously in favor.

7.      Motion made by Mr. Dutra to authorize the Town to enter and be bound by the Project Funding Agreement with the Massachusetts School Building Authority.  Second by Mr. Ouellette.  The Board voted unanimously in favor.

Motion made by Mr. Ouellette to authorize the Chairman of the Board of Selectmen to sign the Project Funding Agreement on behalf of the Town.  Second by Mr. Coyne.  The Board voted unanimously in favor.

Motion made by Mr. Vieira to get clarification that on the other portion of the grant from the School Department and to have Dr. Colley or the School Committee Chair into the next Selectmen’s Meeting.  Second by Mr. Coyne.  The Board voted unanimously in favor.

 

Other Issues

1.      Motion made by Mr. Dutra to approve and present a citation to Yvette Landry on becoming the oldest resident of Westport at the age of 100.  Second by Mr. Ouellette.  The Board voted unanimously in favor.

2.      Michael Sullivan, School Committee stated this item was not on the agenda but he want to give the Board a two-minute recap of the School Department.  At this time, the School is going through a decontamination and anticipating a September 6^th opening, maybe even a couple of days delay.  The good news is that it is moving along and on Wednesday, August 24, 2011 at 6:30 PM there will be another School Committee Meeting on this matter.  The EPA is overseeing this project.

3.      Michael Sullivan also brought to attention the FY ‘12 South Coast Rail Technical Assistance Application from the Narrow Redevelopment Committee which will be meeting on September 10^th.  Mr. Spirlet stated the Board was not ready to discuss this item, as it is not on the agenda.  Mr. Ouellette stated a vote of the Board was needed due to the deadline constraints.  Mr. Ouellette stated it is for a technical assistance grant in the amount of $15,000.00. 

Motion made by Mr. Vieira to approve the submittal of a grant for the South Coast Rail Technical Assistance and to allow the Chairman of the Board of Selectmen to sign.  Second by Mr. Coyne.  The Board voted unanimously in favor.

 

Executive Session – 9:40 PM

Motion made by Mr. Dutra to enter into Executive Session pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 30A, Section 21 to discuss an update on Union Negotiations and to hear a Highway Department Grievance.  Second by Mr. Ouellette.  The Board voted unanimously in favor.

Roll Call Vote:  Mr. Dutra-aye. Mr. Ouellette-aye.  Mr. Vieira-aye.  Mr. Coyne-aye. 

Mr. Spirlet-aye.

Mr. Spirlet announced the Board would return to Open Session in order to adjourn.

Open Session – 10:55 PM

Motion made by Mr. Dutra to adjourn the Board of Selectmen’s meeting.  Second by Mr. Coyne.  The Board voted unanimously in favor.

 Adjournment.                                     

Respectfully submitted,

Diane Pelland, Confidential Clerk to the Board of Selectmen

APPROVED:  James W. Coyne Jr.