Westport News

February 2, 2010 Historical Commission Meeting

2010-03-13T22:21:39Z

Emergency Meeting

Present
Member: Jim Collins (by conference call), Sharon Connors, Janet Jones, Norma Judson,
              Jane Loos, Geraldine Millham
Alternate: none

Absent
Member: one vacancy
Alternate: Anne (Pete) Baker, Bette De Veuve, Christine Vezetinski

Sharon Connors (SC), Chair, called the meeting to order at 3:00 pm in the Town Hall second floor meeting room. Others in attendance included:

Michael Coughlin                               Town Administrator
Betty Slade                                      2037 Main Road, WPT

1.   SC thanked Michael Coughlin (MC) for joining this emergency meeting to discuss what could be done to deal with the issue of the lack of protection of the structures at 1813-1815 Main Road.
2.   MC advised that he had consulted with the Building Inspector and Town Counsel and verified that the Building Department’s December 15, 2009 notice had started the meter running for period of notice. He authorized Town Counsel to proceed to court immediately to request a temporary restraining order to require the owners to maintain adequate protection of the structures, and also to recover attorney’s fees because the
Town is forced to appeal to the court to enforce the court’s own decision. MC advised that WHC take a vote to request an executive meeting with the BOS on Monday, February 8, at which the Town Counsel would also be present (already planned for other matters).
3.   JL moved and GM seconded a motion to ask the Town to take immediate action to address failure of A. C. Furtado, et al., to fulfill the terms of the stipulation of agreement issued by Superior Court concerning 1813-1815 Main Road, specifically that the structures be protected from the elements.    The vote in favor was unanimous.
4.   MC undertook to place the WHC matter on the BOS agenda for executive session.

Adjournment.    The meeting adjourned at 4:00pm.

February 1, 2010 Historical Commission Meeting Minutes

2010-03-13T22:19:31Z

Present
Member: Jim Collins, Sharon Connors, Janet Jones, Norma Judson, Jane Loos,
              Geraldine Millham
Alternate: none

Absent
Member: one vacancy
Alternate: Anne (Pete) Baker, Bette De Veuve, Christine Vezetinski

Sharon Connors (SC), Chair, called the meeting to order at 7:05 pm in the Town Hall basement meeting area. SC noted that there would be a total of only six votes, with no alternates attending.    Others in attendance included:

Leo Brooks                                       2001 Main Road, WPT
Elizabeth Collins                                27 Kelly Avenue, Westport
Tony Connors                                    2032 Main Road, WPT
Kathy & Ron Flener                            1798 Main Road, WPT
Chip Gillespie                                    1634 Main Road, WPT
Ed Jackson                                        1806 Main Road, WPT
Lucy Keefe                                        1371 Main Road, Westport
Claire Kenney                                    427 Cornell Road, Westport
Albert Lees                                        2065 Main Road, WPT
Betty Slade                                       2037 Main Road, WPT
Peter Streng                                     1818 Main Road, WPT
David Wallace                                   31 Quail Trail, Westport
Catherine Williams                            42 Riverview Drive, Westport
James Whitin                                   462 River Road, Westport

A.   General Business.

1.   Minutes of January 4, 2010 Meeting. Jane Loos (JL) explained that a draft was circulated by email. SC suggested several corrections. Geraldine Millham (GM) moved and Janet Jones (JJ) seconded a motion to approve the draft minutes as revised. The motion was approved, unanimously.

2.   Treasurer’s Report.   GM presented the Treasurer’s Report as of 1/29/10 (see Attachment 1), showing no changes from last month’s report, with the exception of small increases in Trust balances due to accruing interest.

(a) WHC expense account had a balance of $740.   Revenue to date is $350.

(b) WHC Trust Account balance is $8,439.78. Wolf Pit School Trust balance is $6,345.40.

(c) Town Farm expense account had a balance of $2,316. The Town Farm Trust Account balance is $11,097.82.

CV moved, and JL seconded a motion to approve the Treasurer’s Report.   The vote in favor was unanimous.

3.   Fees.   SC read to the meeting a request from the Board of Selectmen (BOS) for inputs from Town Departments and Boards/Commissions for any proposed fee increases. The consensus of the meeting was that no fee increase is warranted for WHC applications.   JL noted, however, that the procedures for fines and penalties are still unresolved and that WHC is awaiting clarifications from the BOS.   The meeting agreed that SC should bring this matter to their attention in WHC’s response to the announcement. It was agreed also that the response should remind BOS that WHC fees in the past have brought in to the Town General Fund more than is provided for WHC’s budget.

4.    Westport Affordable Housing Trust. SC informed that there will be an information meeting of this Trust on February 10, for those who may be interested in working with that group. In response to a question, Elizabeth Collins explained that the Trust itself did not have funding, but planned to work with funding sources like CPC and the Community Building Development Grant office.

5.    1813-1815 Main Road.   SC read to the meeting her letter to the owners of this property (See attachment 2).   When asked what WHC could do to address the continuing failure of the owners to protect the buildings from the elements, SC responded that there is nothing WHC can do on its own to address this matter.

6. Monitors’ Reports.

(a) 1998 Main Road. SC reported that the owners had informed her that repairs of the south chimney would be impossible without taking down the stack above the roof line, and therefore requested permission to remove the stack before building a new one. SC confirmed with them that they would use bricks and construction style to match the other two chimneystacks.   The monitors (SC and JL) agreed that owners could proceed with the repairs without requiring another hearing.   In response to a question, SC informed that she did not know what they would do to the original chimney parts that are inside the building and not subject to WHC oversight.

(b) 1878 H Drift Road. Sc reported that the storage garage and cement pad had been removed according to the terms of the Certificate of Appropriateness.

(c) SC advised that Monitors for all on-going projects should be prepared to report on the status of work at the March WHC meeting.

7. Preliminary Review for 1985 D Main Road.   SC welcomed Drs Peter and Brenna Kelsey, the new owners of this property, to the Point. The new owners explained that before formulating plans for the house, they wished to live in it for a while and get to know their neighbors and the district better. They explained that the septic system upgrade was approved by the Board of Health in December 2009 as part of the sale agreement, but they are not proceeding with the work yet to make sure that the layout of the work will maintain the landscape as is and not compromise potential uses of the site.   They informed that, while the Real Estate agent had not provided them with the WHC guidelines, they have the guidelines now and are aware of WHC’s mandate.

8. Award.   Betty Slade informed that she is working with others to nominate Anne Pete Baker for a Massachusetts Historical Commission Lifetime Achievement Award. JL moved and Janet Jones seconded a motion that WHC wholeheartedly support this effort, with gratitude for Ms. Baker’s contributions to Westport and commendation for her work across the Commonwealth and region.   The motion was approved unanimously.

B.   Westport Master Plan.   Elaine Ostroff, David Wallace and James Whitin presented materials about the Master Plan and some current development activities in Central Village. The meeting thanked them for informing WHC and the large general audience about these matters, including a possible overlay district for Central Village. WHC offered to help formulate guidelines for the overlay district to help maintain the village’s character and encourage desired kinds of developments.

Adjournment.    The meeting adjourned at 9:30pm. The next meeting will be at 7pm, Monday, March 1, 2010 at the Town Hall.

Drafted by Jane Loos, approved March 1, 2010

Attachments:
1.   Treasurer’s Report
2    SC’s January 15, 2010 letter re 1813-1815 Main Road

Planning Board AMENDED Agenda March 16, 2010

2010-03-13T02:33:08Z

Click HERE to Download the Planning Board amended agenda for March 16, 2010

Fincom Agenda 03-16-10

2010-03-12T18:13:58Z

Westport Finance Committee
Meeting Agenda
March 16, 2010
Westport Town Hall, 6:30 pm
Call to order, salute the flag

Old Business
Approve Minutes of March 2nd and 9th, 2010

New Business
Budget Reviews
 Retirement   911 Lisa (5minutes)
 Workers Comp   914   Hugh (5 minutes)
 Unemployment   914   Hugh (5minutes)
 Health Insurance   914   Lisa (5 minutes)
 Personnel Board 152    Hugh (5 minutes)
 Library 610 Jack (10 minutes)
 Town Beach 631   Buzzy (5 minutes)
 Rec/Community Center 650   Tracy (5 minutes)
 Historical Com 152   Hugh (5 minutes)
 Debt Retirement   710   Lisa (5 minutes)
 Interest/LT 751   Buzzy (5 minutes
 Interest/ST 752 Buzzy (5 minutes)

Review of Committees and Boards related to financial impact
CPC         Warren
CIPC        Jack/Lisa
Educational Fund Com       John
Fire Station Building Com      Warren
Personnel Board        Hugh
Tax Incentive Program      Buzzy
Dredging Com        Warren
Agricultural/Open Space Preservation Trust Fund       Hugh

Questions from Fincom members and others in attendance
Correspondence (invitation to March 22nd meeting with BOS)
Discussion on Status of Warrant Articles
Adjourn (next meeting March 23)

BOH Agenda 3-15-10

2010-03-12T17:53:51Z

CLICK Here to Download BOH Agenda 3-15-10

Agricultural Commission Minutes

2010-03-12T13:13:03Z

Westport Agricultural Commission
Meeting Minutes
March 10, 2010

Call to order 7:30pm

Members present, Jay Tripp, Shirley Robbins, Steve Hancock, Karl Santos, Ron Potter, Mike and Joan Travers, Lee Tripp, John Bettencourt

Guests, Katie Carvahlo, Peggy Stevens, Chris Ditweiller, Peter Kasner

Approved Dec minutes John B moved Shirley R 2nd vote unanimous
Approved Jan minutes Shirley R moved John B 2nd vote unanimous

New business Joan Travers explained Mass Farm Bureau looking for a grant to show the economic benefits that horses contribute

Chris explained the Conservation Restriction the Landtrust would like to put on the Oscar Palmer property.
Mike T moved and Lee T 2nd vote unanimous to support the C.R. for the Palmer property

Peggy to attend B.O H. informational meeting re DEP river study. 3/16/2010 @ 10am

Peter explained the Wild and Scenic River program

Charlie Costa sent a copy of Rehoboth's AgCom sponsored brochure. Jay to get more info
Old business

Shirley to check out status of Ag signs

Meeting adjourned at 8:30

Change Your Clocks Change Your Batteries

2010-03-12T01:47:13Z

March 14, daylight savings time begins. When you set your clocks forward, be sure to clean and inspect your detectors. Most importantly, change the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

Fincom Minutes Feb. 23, 2010

2010-03-11T15:27:25Z

Westport Finance Committee (Fincom)
Meeting Minutes
Westport High School
February 23, 2010

Present:   Warren Messier (WM), Tony Vieira (TV), Hugh Morton (HM), Lisa Arnold (LA), Charles “Buzzy” Baron (BB), John Miller (JM), Bob McCarthy (BM), Jack Baughan (JB), and Tracy Priestner (TP).

1.   TV, Chair, opened the meeting at 6:30 p.m. with the traditional salute to the flag.

2.   The reading and approval of the minutes from preceding meetings was postponed in order to convenience the department heads who were scheduled to present their proposed FY 2011 budgets.

3.    JM introduced Marta Montleon, Debbie Kenny, and Paul Jennings who, with him, presented the proposed budget for the Diman Regional School. A Q&A period followed that focused upon the perceived unfairness of the Commonwealth’s use of a subsidy formula that resulted in Diman students from Fall River being subsidized in an amount that was over $8,000 more per pupil than the subsidy provided for Diman students from Westport.

4.   JM reported that no proposed budget had yet been set for the Bristol County Agricultural School since its board of trustees had not yet met for that purpose.

5.   TP introduced Westport School Superintendent, Dr. Carlos Colley and Melissa Sousa for the purpose of their presenting the proposed budget for the Westport Community Schools and made prepared introductory remarks that are attached to these minutes. Dr. Colley led the FinComm through the extensive and detailed budget page by page and fielded questions. The questions and answers dealt primarily with the large and unpredictable costs of special education programs mandated by the Commonwealth. At the conclusion of the presentation of the proposed budget, TV noted that, since the matter of making up the FY2010 shortfall out of the Stabilization Fund had been last dealt with by the FinComm on February 9, a citizen petition had resulted in a Special Town Meeting being scheduled for March 9 at which the only warrant up for consideration would be one calling for authorization of such a move. After some discussion of procedure that was aided by advice from the Town Moderator, it was moved by BB and seconded by TP that the FinComm recommend passage of that warrant. After discussion of the motion by the members, it was passed by a vote of 5 to 4.

6.   JM introduced Jack Sisson and Sue Menard who, with him, presented the proposed budgets for the Highway Department and for Snow and Ice Removal. It was noted that the proposed Highway budget would result in an increase in the amount of some $48,000 over the previous year but that the increase was necessitated primarily by preventive work required for roads that needed patching and by the need to purchase radio and signage equipment. As regards the proposed budget for Snow and Ice Removal, discussion focused on whether the FinComm should continue its traditional practice of budgeting at an unrealistically low level in order to achieve a balanced budget in any particular fiscal year with the hope that overage could be covered out of Free Cash realized from the prior fiscal year. In light of the fact that no Free Cash could be expected to be realized from FY 2010 and in light of the need to present Town Meeting and the electorate that might thereafter be asked to vote for a Proposition 2 ½ override with an accurate picture of the town’s financial situation, it was moved by BB and seconded by BM that we treat the proposed FY 2011 budget for Snow and Ice Removal in the same realistic fashion as we treat all other proposed FY 2011 budgets. After some discussion, JB proposed an amendment to the motion that would nonetheless limit the proposed budget to $150,000. The amendment not having been accepted by BB, the proposed amendment was moved by JB and seconded by BM. After discussion, the amendment was defeated by a vote of 5 to 4. Following further discussion, the original motion was passed by a vote of 7 to 2.

7.   BM introduced Wes Norman who presented the proposed FY 2011 budget for the Town Cemeteries. Mr. Norman’s introductory remarks are attached to these minutes.

8.   BB presented the proposed budget for Street Lights in the absence of Denise Bouchard, who was suffering from laryngitis.

9.   JB presented the proposed budget for Water Enterprise.

10.   With the conclusion of the budget presentations scheduled on the night’s agenda, TV raised the question of whether there were any additions or corrections suggested for the minutes of February 9. There being none, it was moved, seconded and passed by a vote of 8 positive and one abstention that they be approved.

11.   There then followed some discussion of steps to be taken to deal effectively with what appears to be a very strained revenue situation in FY 2011. TV reported on a helpful meeting that the FinComm had had with the Board of Selectmen at the latter’s meeting the night before. He reported that more such meetings were planned in order have everyone on the same page regarding steps that may need to be taken to cut spending as much as 5% over FY 2010 in order to make up for what, in the opinion of some, is likely to be a shortfall in the amount of around $1,500,000.00. If this cannot be made up for by an override, we will have to come up with a balanced budget which makes reductions in that amount. LA suggested that we take a positive view on the override possibility and do everything we can to make it a reality. BB suggested that we implement a suggestion made by HM several meetings back that we conduct a campaign to educate the voters as to how the taxing and budgeting systems work and present them with a true picture of what they will all have to face in terms of service cuts if an override does not pass. BB then moved and TP seconded a motion that the FinComm commit itself to implementing just such a program of voter education. However, the motion was never voted upon.

12.   TV then mentioned that the Town Moderator had questioned the FinComm’s use of the Reserve Fund to cover shortfalls in its budget occasioned by overages in payment of fees for secretarial services. BB moved and TP seconded a motion that, in light of the current revenue crisis, a member of the FinComm be designated to keep the minutes at each meeting. After discussion, the motion was defeated by a vote of 5 to 3.

Adjournment and next meeting: There being no further business to come before the meeting, adjournment was moved, seconded and unanimously passed at 9:45 p.m. The next regular meeting will be at Westport Town Hall on March 2nd at 6:30 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Buzzy Baron, Recording Secretary, Pro Tem

Fincom Minutes Feb. 16, 2010

2010-03-11T15:26:54Z

Westport Finance Committee (Fincom)
Meeting Minutes
Westport Town Hall
February 16, 2010

Present:   Warren Messier (WM), Tony Vieira (TV), Hugh Morton (HM), Lisa Arnold (LA), Charles “Buzzy” Baron (BB), John Miller (JM), Bob McCarthy (BM), Jack Baughan (JB), Tracy Priestner (TP)

1.   TV, Chair, opened the meeting at 6:30 p.m. with the traditional salute to the flag.

2.   Minutes:   The minutes of 12/15 and 1/12 were presented for approval. JB made a motion and WM seconded the motion to approve the minutes as amended. The vote was unanimous in favor. WM asked that the corrected minutes be emailed to members for their records.
           The minutes of 2/9 were discussed. A few changes were made and BB was to send corrections to the secretary. They were held until the next meeting.

3.   Moderator:   Steven Fors (SF), Moderator, asked to be on the agenda to discuss the letter that he sent the Fincom at a previous meeting. He wants the committee to decide which rules to conduct the meetings by. He stated this because the discussions tend to veer off topic and once there, there is no useful end to the discussion. If there is a vote to be taken, discussion should be brief and to the point. JB gave a memo to SF and discussed it at this venture. (See attached.) After much discussion, SF pointed out how far off topic the committee was. TV pointed out the roles of the Fincom that are posted on the web-site and from the handbook.   BB made a motion to appoint a subcommittee to look at different rules of order and come up with some for this committee. TP seconded the motion and all were in favor of BB, HM and WM to be the subcommittee.

4.   Fire Department:   Brian Legendre (BL), Fire Chief, was in attendance to present his FY11 budget. (See attached.) He talked about the ambulance revenue being down per number of runs and rate of insurance payments. He spoke on his budget increase to replace monies that were cut during the FY10 budget cuts. He has 21 full time and 23 call men in the department. He runs 2 ambulances 24/7 and has a 3rd for backup. His two warrant articles are procedural only to restate the revolving funds. BM commended him on his hard work and the number of grants the department receives every year.

5.   Fire Station Building Committee:   BL and WM spoke on this. They handed out an expense report to date and to be spent. (See attached.) The project is at 70%, which is ahead of schedule. A dedication ceremony is planned for July 24, 2010. The Fincom had many doubts about the $500k that was slated for a training tower. After much discussion, a motion was made by JB and seconded by BM for WM to ask and report back to the Fincom the necessity of the training tower. WM had already expressed his concern regarding this to the Fire Station Building Committee and was told it was a necessity for training and ISO ratings. JB and BM withdrew their motion. BM then made a motion for Fincom to advise WM to go back to the Fire Station Building Committee and let them know that the Fincom is against the tower when they just voted against the $150k for the schools. LA seconded the motion and all were in favor. Michael Coughlin (MC), Town Administrator, felt the vote was premature because there are several other options being discussed and Fincom should let the Fire Station Building Committee do their job.

6.   Parking Tickets:   BB presented the Parking Tickets budget for FY11. (See attached.) Denise Bouchard was not able to attend. He went over the small budget, which is offset by fees collected. He also mentioned that Tom Hancock is an appointed volunteer parking officer.

7.   Weights & Measures:   BB presented the Weights & Measures proposed FY11 budget. He went over the small budget, which is offset by fees collected. He also mentioned that the Sealer of Weights & Measures, Dennis Thibault, has been looking at raising the fees in the Town to make them more comparable to other towns in the area. BB made a motion to send a letter to the BOS to ask them to consider raising the Weights and Measures fees. BM seconded the motion and all were in favor.

8.   Town Administrator:   MC was in attendance to discuss the FY11 budget and Annual Town Meeting. He said there were not too many $ articles to date for this year. He told the Fincom that they are scheduled to meet with the BOS on February 22nd at the Town Hall Annex. JM discussed the audit committee and asked for a vote of the Fincom if his efforts should continue. JB made a motion that the audit committee should be a function of the Fincom and that JM should withdraw is efforts for a separate audit committee from the BOS. WM seconded the motion and the vote was 8 in favor and 1 abstention. BB made a motion that for the budgets for FY11, the Fincom should take the position of a balanced budget based on a realistic revenue projection now and adjust it up or down accordingly as the picture gets clearer. LA seconded the motion and all were in favor.

9.   Other:       TV asked about the location for the next meeting as the Superintendent was coming before the Fincom to present his budget. TP made a motion and BB seconded the motion to move the meeting to the Westport High School cafeteria. All were in favor of this move and the clerk was asked to post it.
           JB commented on the CIPC that a meeting was scheduled for this Thursday, Feb. 18th to discuss the $5 million requests.
           LA distributed a report on the Transfer Station. (See attached.) MC commented on the DEP report that said we should abandon the punch cards and go to a pay-as-you throw bag system. He also mentioned that the BOH had already voted to increase the sticker fees to $30. JM wanted someone to figure out the true cost to run the Transfer Station including overhead on the personnel.
           Dick Lambert, audience member, asked if anyone had ever thought of privatizing some departments or about putting the town employees on Social Security instead of Bristol County Retirement. TV said the committee would take it under advisement.
           TV had a request to transfer $1,500 from the Reserve Fund to cover the shortfall in the Fincom budget for personnel. LA moved to sign this transfer. TP seconded the motion and all were in favor. A bill was also presented to pay the clerk her salary. LA made the motion to approve the payroll. TP seconded it and all were in favor.
           TV distributed a memo from BB and HM regarding the open meeting law.

Adjournment and next meeting: There being no further business to come before this meeting, BB moved and BM seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting at 10:00pm. The vote in favor was unanimous. The next regular meeting will be on February 23rd at 6:30 p.m. at the Westport High School cafeteria.

Respectfully submitted,
Nicole Botelho, Recording Secretary

Fincom Minutes Feb. 9, 2010

2010-03-11T15:26:20Z

Westport Finance Committee (Fincom)
Meeting Minutes
Westport Town Hall
February 9, 2010

Present:   Warren Messier (WM), Tony Vieira (TV), Hugh Morton (HM), Lisa Arnold (LA), Charles “Buzzy” Baron (BB), John Miller (JM), Bob McCarthy (BM), Jack Baughan (JB), Tracy Priestner (TP)

1.   TV, Chair, opened the meeting at 6:30 p.m. and immediately asked for a vote for a change of venue or cancellation of the meeting due to the overwhelming support for Dr. Carlos Colley, School Superintendent. Attendance was over 100 people and a member of the Fire Department shut down Town Hall because of over-capacity. TP made a motion and BB seconded it to move the meeting to the Westport High School cafeteria. The vote was 5-4 in favor of moving the meeting. The meeting was then held in recess for everyone to move the venue.

2. TV reopened the meeting at 7:00 p.m. BB made a motion to take off the table the motion, which had been tabled at the January 12th meeting. The previous motion was regarding Dr. Colley’s request that the Fincom recommend for adoption a Town Meeting warrant article that would authorize covering from the stabilization fund a FY10 education budget shortfall in the amount of $150,000. The motion was seconded by TP and all were in favor of removing the motion from the table. There was then much discussion on the January 12th motion. A motion was then made by BB and seconded by TP to support the school in taking $150k from stabilization to cover the FY10 shortfall in the schools operating budget. Dr. Colley spoke on this matter. There were many in attendance that supported Dr. Colley. Michael Coughlin, Town Administrator, also spoke on the matter. The biggest problem was that without the $150k, Dr. Colley would have to lay off teachers right away. After a lengthy time spent listening to audience support, a vote was taken. The vote was 4-5 in opposition of supporting the school in taking this money from stabilization.   BM made a comment that stabilization is the last place to go for money, not the first. There are 54 departments in town and the Fincom has only just begun. He did want to commend Dr. Colley and the School Committee on their efforts and hard work.

A brief recess occurred from 8:30 – 8:40 p.m.

3.   Budget Hearings:

a.   Building Department:   Ralph Souza, Building Inspector and Nelia Williams, Principal Clerk were in attendance and presented the proposed FY11 budget for the Building Department. (See attached.) Mr. Souza talked about funding the Assistant Local Inspector position and part-time clerk. He spoke about some new laws that require permits, which will increase his workload. He did speak a little on the difference between the inspectors. This position is part-time. There was a brief discussion on the revolving account and the increase in revenue from the new permits.

b.   Shellfish & Wharfinger Department:   Gary Sherman, Shellfish Warden & Wharfinger, was in attendance to present the FY11 budgets for the above departments. (See attached.) He started by telling everyone that the budgets were level funded. He spoke about the shellfish gift account he uses for seed to repopulate the river and the recent grant he received to do this. He also spoke on the new aquaculture regulations and fees to be charged that are set by the state. The Wharfinger is responsible for all town docks and is part of the Harbor Enterprise. They are still paying back a loan to the town from several years ago.

   c.   Other:   BB spoke briefly on his departments. JB asked that department heads be in attendance to discuss their departments. TV said he would reschedule them.

4.   MC spoke on the financial crisis at hand and the FY11 outlook. (See attached.) He spoke about a field meeting on March 2nd that will deal with ending the library net spending for re-certification. He spoke about a contingent budget pending an override. He spoke on the bleak outlook for FY11 and forward and the problems yet to face FY10.

5. TV distributed a letter from Stephen Fors, Moderator, to all members. (See attached.) BB suggested that he put together a list of the more important Roberts Rules of Order to follow for the Fincom going forward. TV thought that was a good idea.

Adjournment and next meeting: There being no further business to come before this meeting, BB moved and BM seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting at 10:10pm. The vote in favor was unanimous. The next regular meeting will be on February 16th at 6:30 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Nicole Botelho, Recording Secretary

Fincom Minutes Jan. 12, 2010

2010-03-11T15:25:38Z

Westport Finance Committee (Fincom)
Meeting Minutes
Westport Town Hall
January 12, 2010

Present:   Warren Messier (WM), Tony Vieira (TV), Hugh Morton (HM), Lisa Arnold (LA), Charles “Buzzy” Baron (BB), John Miller (JM), Bob McCarthy (BM), Jack Baughan (JB)

Absent:   Tracy Priestner (TP)

1.   TV, Chair, opened the meeting at 7:00 p.m. with the traditional salute to the flag.

2. TV asked for a moment of silence for the deaths of Henry Arruda and John Carvalho. They were farmers and instrumental in town. They both had large families and owned dairy farms.

3. TV briefly spoke about town finances and the revenue stance going forward. He distributed a schedule of local receipts from the Town Accountant. (See attached.) He stated that there is no free cash this year and the stabilization fund is only at $1.5 million, which should be 3-5% of the total budgets. We are starting at zero for FY11.

4. Treasurer, George Foster, talked about his outlook for the rest of FY10 and FY11. He said that the revenue seems to be slowing down and the expenses are staying the same or increasing. Receipts are down $1.3 million. There is not a lot in reserves to cover. Managing cash flow right now is very difficult. The town has to revert back to what can and cannot be paid based on importance. The Treasurer’s office does generate revenue in the form of interest but there is not much to invest and the banks are not paying out. Our ability to borrow is better than our peer groups. The Fire Station will go out to bid for bond in the spring as a 20-yr. bond. This will have a minimal tax effect. Stabilization is about ½ of what it should be.

5. Assessors Steve Medeiros, Jack McDermott and Bob Grillo were in attendance to speak. They distributed a handout detailing the taxes for the town. (See attached.) A supplemental tax is when an occupancy permit is issued. The handout showed the overlay reserves for abatements. They said the reserve for 2008 might be able to be used but not until the end of the year. The overlay reserve is for abatements or appeals pending. Once they are completed, then the reserve can be released.

6. Tax Collector, Carol Borden, came in to speak on collections. She had good news in that revenue for Municipal Lien Certificates is up. The demand fee has been doubled. The bulk of excise has increased.

7. Tim Harrenstein, School Committee, read a letter from Russell Kleber regarding the need for monies to be taken from stabilization to fund a shortfall in the FY10 school budget. (See attached.) Much discussion ensued with Dr. Carlos Colley, Superintendent, and many members of the school committee. BB made a motion to use the stabilization fund to help the school budget. TV seconded the motion. After much more discussions, LA made a motion to table the first motion till a later date. HM seconded the motion and the vote was 7-1 in favor of tabling the motion. Consensus is that the town needs an override or more cuts have to be made. The townspeople will have to decide what services can be cut.   FY11 school budget is at $15.4 million.

8. JB talked about CIPC and the requests to date are approximately $5 million. Most of these are infrastructure improvements. If an override does not go, we can go out to bond for this. TV said there is a bond out there not being used of $1.5 million and can we revote it for CIPC. WM said that the new fire station will come in underbid and that there will be extra that we need to revote for CIPC. BB made a motion to schedule a joint meeting with the BOS at their earliest convenience to discuss town priorities of the FY10 and FY11 budgets. LA seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

A brief recess occurred from 9:30 – 9:45 p.m.

9. LA talked about the transfer station and if the Fincom could put an article on the warrant to raise the sticker fees. Dr. Colletti, Chair of the BOH, said that they do not have enough manpower to implement a yearly sticker. TV said we are waiting for the DEP report to make any decisions. JB recommended closing the transfer station and contracting with waste management for recycling.

10. TV finished by stating that any budget submitted over level-funded needs to have a revenue source. A bill was presented for the clerk’s hours. WM made a motion to pay the bill. HM seconded the motion and all were in favor. A letter from the Highway surveyor was presented (see attached) that requested deficit spending for Snow & Ice. BM made a motion to allow up to $137,000. WM seconded the motion and all were in favor.

Adjournment and next meeting: There being no further business to come before this meeting, BB moved and BM seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting at 10:50pm. The vote in favor was unanimous. The next regular meeting will be on February 9th at 6:30 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Nicole Botelho, Recording Secretary

Fincom Minutes Dec. 15, 2009

2010-03-11T15:24:58Z

Westport Finance Committee (Fincom)
Meeting Minutes
Westport Town Hall
December 15, 2009

Present:   Warren Messier (WM), Tony Vieira (TV), Hugh Morton (HM), Lisa Arnold (LA), Charles Baron (CB), Tracy Priestner (TP), John Miller (JM)

Absent:   Bob McCarthy (BM), Jack Baughan (JB),

1.   TV, Chair, opened the meeting at 7:00 p.m. with the traditional salute to the flag.

2.   Minutes:   WM made a motion to accept the minutes of November 10th as is. LA seconded the motion and all were in favor with CB abstaining because he was not in attendance.

WM made a motion to accept the minutes of November 24th as corrected. LA seconded the motion and all were in favor.

WM made a motion to accept the minutes of December 1st as is. LA seconded the motion and all were in favor.

3.   Highway Department:       JM started by saying that the action committee of himself, Jack Sisson, Sue Maynard and Paul Schmid (PS) has been meeting every two weeks. These biweekly meetings of PS and JM are the mentoring team. In addition, an advisory committee is being formed to meet bimonthly or as required. They have been working diligently on the report from Roselli and Associates. They have made great strides with the addition of Sue as Clerk. They have computerized budget and license tracking and Chapter 90. They are looking into a shop inventory system that would assist in equipment tracking and costing. They are going to put together a capital needs plan. As for Snow & Ice, they have instituted a second shift of 4 guys till the end of March. All north end contractors are on-line with proper paperwork. The committee feels that at this time, a mentor is no longer necessary.

4.   Transfer Station:   TV said the report from DEP is not to be ready until late December or early January. As for the stickers, the chair of the BOH said they are not planing to make any changes until they read the report from the DEP.

5.   Contracts:   JM brought up the subject of the newly signed Police and Fire contracts. He handed out a spreadsheet of potential financial impact of the Police contract. He would like the Fincom to form a committee to review any contracts before they are signed to look at the financial impact if signing the contract. LA would like to stop the habit of the Fincom getting the contracts after they have been signed and trying to find the money to cover them. TV spoke to both chiefs and they said this one-year contract cost is to be absorbed into their current budgets. JM thinks the Fincom should hold an executive session to provide objectives for future labor contracts. LA would like a financial input of contracts.

6.   Budgets:   The BOS is looking to Fincom and Mike Coughlin (MC) for guidance in the FY11 budgets. George Foster (GF) said there is another 8% increase expected in health insurance. PS said he is hoping that a furlough across the board will be looked at in lieu of any layoffs. TV handed out many sheets from the benchmarking report that was done a few years ago. WM would like to assign a liaison to the BOS to assist in budgeting. TV stated that he is not going to rubber stamp the budgets as some members felt we were asked to do last year at the annual town meeting and more recently at the two special town meetings.   JM and MC are to work on revenue projections for the next meeting. Also, the Treasurer, Collector, Assesors and Accountant are to be invited to the next meeting to discuss revenue for FY11. TV wants everyone, between now and January, to look over all budgets and trends and look at current contracts to see what cuts and budgets can be made. LA would like to see for all budgets, a P & L including all fees collected, grants, revolving and any other account used by those departments.

7.   Other:   A letter was received from Craig Dutra for a member of Fincom to be appointed to an ad hoc committee on town government. LA would like to be on the committee. WM made a motion that LA is appointed to that committee. TP seconded the motion and all were in favor. TV asked the clerk to send a letter to the BOS stating our candidate for the position. PS said this is based on a Clyde Barrow’s study and the auditor’s letters and the committee will be to review all recommendations of these studies and to act on them.
       PS said he spoke to GF regarding CIPC and the bond issue. Right now the bond costs are very low and he feels it will be this low for a while in the future. Also, construction costs are low at this time and should remain stable for at least a year. This is a good time for considering capital needs. The BOS is asking all departments to put together a package of needs, not wants, for the upcoming year.

Adjournment and next meeting: There being no further business to come before this meeting, JM moved and LA seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:35pm. The vote in favor was unanimous. The next regular meeting will be on January 12th at 7:00 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Nicole Botelho, Recording Secretary

Landfill Holiday Closing List

2010-03-10T15:05:28Z

Holiday closings for the Transfer Station/Recycling Center (Landfill):

Good Friday: Closed Friday, April 02, 2010

Easter: Closed Sunday, April 04, 2010

Patriot's Day: Closed Monday, April 19, 2010

Memorial Day: Closed Monday, May 31, 2010

The Transfer Station is ALWAYS closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

If you have any questions, please call 508-636-1015.

CPC Agenda March 11, 2010

2010-03-09T22:10:37Z

Town of Westport, Massachusetts

Community Preservation Committee

AGENDA

Thursday, March 11, 2010

1. 7:00 P.M - Call to order and salute the flag.

2. Approve minutes of January 14 & February 10, 2010 Regular Meeting.

3. Presentation for funding on Desjardins / Brunswick 50 acre- north of Cornell Rd. connecting to Herb Hadfield and Angelina Brook extending southerly from Adamsville Rd. Conservation Restriction. Chris Detwiller

4. Application for funding of Westport Affordable Housing Trust.

5. Update on status of Estuaries Project and next scheduled meeting date. David Cole, Tim Gillespie, David Emilita.- HOLD until next meeting

6. Discussion on Oscar Palmer Farm. Liz. HOLD until next meeting

7. Update on the American Legion Hall/ School District Building Fifteen – Report on progress of heating installation by Cooling Concepts. (completion of rough-in $2,394.00) Lino Rego.

8. Update Westport Grange #18 –Bills preceded the authorization at TM.

9. Review language and request for approval of the warrant article for Annual Town Meeting.

10. Greenwood Terrace Proposal - Liz

11. Review projects pending and post hearing in Shorelines on March 25 and April 1 for Public Hearing to be held on April 8th, 2010 at 7:10 p.m. at Town Hall.

12. Misallocation of funds RE: Voucher of 4/2/08 (Campbell Environmental). Update by Liz.

13. Approve bills.

14. Next meetings scheduled for April 8, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. at Town Hall. Open regular meeting and adjourn to Public Hearing at 7:10 PM and reconvene regular meeting at conclusion of Public Hearing.

15. Motion to adjourn.

Open Burning Season

2010-03-09T19:00:03Z

The Westport Fire Department, reminds everyone that open burning season started January 15 and will end May 1. Burning permits are required and you must call the Fire Department, between 8 am and 12 noon on the day you want to burn.

For further information call the Westport Fire Department at 508-672-20721 or 508-636-1110.