BOARD OF SELECTMEN

JANUARY 20, 2009

Present: Shawn Harris, Vice Chairman; John F. Danehey, Joseph P. Norton, Anthony V. Vegnani

Richard H. Agnew, Town Administrator

Press: Scituate Mariner, Patriot Ledger

1. The meeting was called to order at 6:55 PM.

2. ACCEPTANCE OF AGENDA

Mr. Danehey made a MOTION that the Board of Selectmen that the Board of Selectmen VOTE to ACCEPT the Agenda for January 20, 2009. SECONDED by Mr. Norton. No discussion. Unanimous vote. (4-0)

3. PRESENTATION/ Military Monument/ Commander Ed Covell, American Legion Post #144. The Commander thanked the Board of Selectmen and the Town Administrator for allowing the “Fallen Soldier Memorial” to be placed in the lobby at Town Hall. He stated that the monument, designed and created by Scituate resident Robert Callahan, pays tribute to fallen Scituate veterans who have made the “supreme sacrifice” on the behalf of their country. Mr. Callahan,
56 Acorn Street, has been a resident since 1977. He served in the Navy. He has seen similar “Fallen Soldier” Memorials in other places commemorating losses from the Viet Nam War up to the present time. He stated that this Memorial spans the time period from World War II to the present and that he began to build it last summer. It represents Scituate residents who died in action or went missing in action. He made a presentation to the American Legion Post on Veterans Day 2008. Though it will be housed at the Town Hall, he hopes to take it out on special occasions, such as Memorial Day, so that many people can view it. At this point, Mr. Callahan removed the cloth covering the Memorial and taps was played. Mr. Callahan stated that he built this Memorial for the loved ones of service people that never returned to Scituate, for living Veterans, the citizens of Scituate and its Town leaders so that everyone may understand the “cost of war”. He noted that the plaque on the front of the Memorial says “All Gave Some, and Some Gave All”. Another plaque depicts the names of those whom helped with the Memorial. The sand at the base of the Memorial is from all four, Scituate beaches. A National Guard member donated his boots, helmet and practice rifle for the Memorial. The tags hanging off the rifle are for Scituate residents who died or were missing in action. The base contains a sort of “time capsule” of American Legion documents and a copy of the Scituate Mariner. He thanked the Town for displaying the Memorial at Town Hall. Mr. Danehey asked if Mr. Callahan might be able to share the names printed on the actual tags? Mr. Callahan stated that the list is posted outside the Veteran’s office at Town Hall. The Board of Selectmen thanked Mr. Callahan and the members of the American Legion present at tonight’s meeting.

4. WALK-INS – None

5. DISCUSSION/ VOTE/ One-Day Wine & Malt Beverages License/ Choral Art Society

Members of the Choral Art Society were present at tonight’s meeting. This is the Society’s fourth, annual fundraising event to be held at St. Mary’s Parish Center. The Society is also
celebrating its 50th anniversary with a gala concert this spring. This fundraising event will provide some funds for the concert as well as the Society’s scholarship. Advance tickets are being sold and Buttonwood’s in Cohasset and The Front Street Book Shop.

Mr. Vegnani made a MOTION that the Board of Selectmen VOTE to GRANT a One-Day Wine & Malt Beverages License to the Choral Art Society for a fundraising event on Saturday, February 28, 2009 from 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM at St. Mary of the Nativity Parish Center, One Kent Street. SECONDED by Mr. Danehey. No discussion. Unanimous vote. (4-0)

6. VOTE/ PERMISSION/ St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Mr. Ed Kelly, Parade Coordinator, and Ms. Liz Charlton, Chamber of Commerc, were present at tonight’s meeting. Mr. Kelly stated that the parade would start at the same time (1:00 PM) and follows the same route as previous years. He encouraged donations and noted that there will be some new, corporate sponsors. The Mad Hatter’s Ball will be held on Saturday, February 7th at the Scituate Country Club. Tickets for the Ball are available at The Front Street Book Shop. Mr. Harris noted Mr. Kelly’s hard work on the Parade. Mr. Norton asked if the Selectmen wanted to again ask Harbor liquor license holders to not sell alcoholic beverages from 12 to 3 PM to insure the “dignity of the Parade”? Mr. Harris stated that he initially had reservations about this request, but he now agrees that it shows “good faith” on the part of the storeowners and insures that it is kept a family event. Mr. Danehey concurred and noted that it is “non-binding”, but is a reasonable request.

Mr. Norton made a MOTION that the Board of Selectmen VOTE to GRANT permission to the Scituate Chamber of Commerce to hold a St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Sunday, March 15, 2009 stepping off from the Gates School at 1:00 PM, proceeding down First Parish Road, taking a left onto Front Street, taking a right onto Jericho Road to the boat ramp parking lot and in accordance with all conditions set forth by the Scituate Police and Fire Departments. SECONDED by Mr. Danehey. No discussion. Unanimous vote. (4-0)

Mr. Kelly invited the Selectmen and the Town Administrator to march in the Parade.

7. DISCUSSION/ VOTE/ FY2010 BUDGETS & ARTICLES

Mr. Vegnani reported that the Financial Forecast Committee met just prior to tonight’s meeting. The Committee is focusing on 2010 income levels. “State input will be forthcoming in the next week or so.” Capital Planning is not yet part of their numbers, but hopefully will become so by next week.
610 Library

Ms. Kathy Meeker, Library Director, and members of the Library Board of Trustees were present at tonight’s meeting. Mr. Agnew stated that his suggested “bottom line” is
$916,256, which is approximately $18,000 less that the Department request. Mr. Danehey asked about the increase of $25,000 under Personal Services? Ms. Meeker stated that full time

employees increased and part-time decreased. The funds received from last year’s override allowed the Library to “re-balance” and have more full-time employees. Mr. Vegnani asked if any new employees were hired? Ms. Meeker answered “no”. Mr. Harris asked for the status of HVAC system that was part of last year’s Capital Plan? Ms. Meeker stated that the work on the
system would begin shortly. There were problems with the air conditioning last year and the heating system is “limping along” this winter. Mr. Vegnani asked if Mr. Agnew’s “bottom line”
still allows for the proper percentage level required for certain book purchases. Ms. Meeker answered “yes”.

Mr. Danehey made a MOTION that the Board of Selectmen VOTE to SUPPORT
610 Library for $916,256. SECONDED by Mr. Norton. No discussion. Unanimous vote. (4-0)
630 Recreation

Ms. Jennifer Vitelli, Director; Mr. Paul Sharry, Chairman of the Recreation Commission and
Mr. Bruce Wait, Commission member, were present at tonight’s meeting. Mr. Norton stated that he would not vote on this budget. Mr. Agnew stated that this budget is up $3,000 due to contractual obligations. The personnel have remained the same. He noted that seasonal salaries, which pertains to the summer lifeguards, makes up much of this budget. “Our intent is to staff all the beaches, at the present time. If things get really bad, we may have to look at this again.” Ms. Vitelli noted that the lifeguard payroll is between $10,000 to $11,000 per week during the summer months.

Mr. Danehey made a MOTION that the Board of Selectmen VOTE to SUPPORT
630 Recreation for $253,553. SECONDED by Mr. Vegnani. No discussion. Danehey, Vegnani and Harris voted in favor of the motion. Mr. Norton did not vote. (3-0)

691 Historical

Mr. David Ball and Ms. Betty Miesner, members of the Historical Society, were present at tonight’s meeting. Mr. Agnew stated that many of Town owned historical buildings are in good shape at this time due to Community Preservation Act and MBTA funding. This budget pertains to Town owned buildings only and the bulk of this budget pays for the buildings’ utilities. Mr. Vegnani complimented the Historical Society on the recent renovation of GAR Hall.

Mr. Danehey made a MOTION that the Board of Selectmen VOTE to SUPPORT
691 Historical for $6,000. SECONDED by Mr. Vegnani. No discussion. Unanimous vote. (4-0)
510 Health

Ms. Jennifer Sullivan, Director of Public Health, was present at tonight’s meeting. Mr. Agnew noted that the $4,000 increase in this budget is contractual under Personal Services. Ms. Sullivan stated that there may be some future personnel changes in her office.

Mr. Vegnani made a MOTION that the Board of Selectmen VOTE to SUPPORT
510 Health for $184,999. SECONDED by Mr. Danehey. No discussion. Unanimous vote. (4-0)

541 Council on Aging

Ms. Florence Choate, Director of Senior Services, and Ms. Pam Davis, Chairman of the Council on Aging were present at tonight’s meeting. Mr. Agnew stated that there was a decrease of approximately $2,200 under 520 Purchase of Services. There was an increase under 540 Materials & Supplies of approximately $1,800 and an increase of approximately $13,700 under Personal Services, which is contractual. Mr. Vegnani asked about Line 5242 Repairs & Maintenance for $6,000 – is this for Council on Aging vehicles? Ms. Choate answered that the money is for the Senior Center building. Mr. Harris asked if the building had been painted?
Ms. Choate answered “yes, the common room was painted by volunteers from the Harbor Methodist Church and we are trying to get the exterior painted”. She went on to say that some major repairs to the building were accomplished this year. “It looks a lot better and the seniors are very happy with the look of the place.”

Mr. Norton made a MOTION that the Board of Selectmen VOTE to SUPPORT
541 Council on Aging for $234,644. SECONDED by Mr. Danehey. No discussion. Unanimous vote. (4-0)

542 Veterans

Mr. Agnew stated that Line 5781 Subsistence increased by approximately $5,000. He noted that this budget already ran out of money on this line for FY2009. Three quarters of the amount is reimbursed by the State. Mr. Agnew explained that if a Veteran has financial problems and is not eligible for any other kind of assistance, the Town will provide some assistance provided the State approves the disbursement.

Mr. Vegnani made a MOTION that the Board of Selectmen VOTE to SUPPORT
542 Veterans for $30,697. SECONDED by Mr. Danehey. No discussion. Unanimous vote. (4-0)

63 Transfer Station Enterprise Fund

Mr. Bangert, Director of the Department of Public Works, was present at tonight’s meeting. He stated that the Transfer Station will probably “break even” this year for the first time ever. The
FY2010 budget is approximately $20,000 lower than the FY2009 budget. A part-time position at the Transfer Station will not be filled because the yard waste operation has moved and the scope of the Take It or Leave It was reduced. These reductions covered the price increase for bags, fuels, etc. He expects that revenues next year will be $1.2 million. Mr. Harris asked what
590 Debt covers? Mr. Bangert stated it is for the construction of the Transfer Station building and the capping of the Landfill. Mr. Vegnani asked if there would be any new Capital expenditures? Mr. Bangert stated that a new security camera and bar code system for the bags is needed and will cost $12,000. The Capital Plan contains one piece of equipment that needs to be replaced. Mr. Vegnani asked if the purchase of bags is under Line 5423 Supplies? Mr. Bangert answered “yes”. Mr. Vegnani asked if the dimensions of the bags will remain the same? Mr. Bangert answered “yes”.

Mr. Vegnani made a MOTION that the Board of Selectmen VOTE to SUPPORT
63 Transfer Station for $1,238,483. SECONDED by Mr. Danehey. No discussion. Unanimous vote. (4-0)

64 Sewer Enterprise Fund

Mr. Bangert stated that the April 2008 Special Town Meeting transferred money from the Sewer Enterprise Fund’s retained earnings to cover escalating costs. Mr. Agnew noted a correction on page 2 of this budget. The Town Administrator’s request for FY2010 should be $6,973 for “Certification of Notes” Line 5930 and a “bottom line” total of $2,857,319. Sewer revenues will cover expenses this year and he does not recommend an increase in sewer rates for FY2010. Mr. Bangert stated that the overall budget is up 1.5% due to contractual and energy costs. There is no change in the number of personnel. Under the Capital Plan, he will request that sewer expansion include priority District 1A Musquashicut Pond, which includes 301 homes and buildable lots. This area will only add 60,000 gallons per day to the current treatment plan and “it can handle that. We can do 1.6 million gallons/day and we are currently doing 1.2 million gallons/day.

Discussion continued on the Inflow & Infiltration (I & I) program. Mr. Bangert noted that it is a program of “chasing a thousand leaks”. He described the program by which cameras detect the leaks. Mr. Norton noted the high numbers recorded on the monthly flow charts submitted by the Sewer Division. “We appear to be going in the wrong direction with the I & I.” Mr. Bangert explained that infiltration is seen by DEP to be a statewide problem. The Town is trying to look at other resources that can help us with the infiltration problem. Mr. Harris asked for a “time line” for the new District? Mr. Bangert believes an engineering team will be in place by the end of summer 2009 and that construction could begin in the spring of 2011. “That is an aggressive time line and it will depend on DEP approval.” Mr. Vegnani noted that the Department asked for $25,000 more than what Mr. Agnew approved under Line 5309 Technical Services. Mr. Agnew stated that the $25,000 was for a Nitrogen loading test, which is not necessary.

Mr. Vegnani made a MOTION that the Board of Selectmen VOTE to SUPPORT
64 Sewer for $2,857,319. SECONDED by Mr. Danehey. No discussion. Unanimous vote. (4-0)
65 Water Enterprise Fund

Mr. Agnew stated that the “bottom line” of this budget is up approximately 10% due to electricity and chemical costs. Potassium Hydroxide tripled in price due mining strikes. According to DEP, we can switch to Sodium Hydroxide, which would cost less. Mr. Agnew will ask for a transfer from retained earnings at the Annual Town Meeting to cover overages for FY2009. Mr. Harris asked about accelerating water meter replacements? Mr. Bangert agreed. It was noted that as water meters wear out, they do not accurately read water usage. The new meters can be read electronically from the truck, which will be less intrusive.

Mr. Bangert stated that the goal of the Water Department is to deliver “fresh, tasty water to the residents”. Part of the Capital Program is to root out the cause of brown water. Water pipes that were installed in 1907 are difficult to flush. Corrosion builds up inside. The 5% increase in water fees will cover the laying of the new pipes. Mr. Norton suggested that Mr. Bangert try to
attend the Massachusetts Municipal Association trade show this weekend. Many engineering firms will be present at the trade show.

Mr. Vegnani made a MOTION that the Board of Selectmen VOTE to SUPPORT 65 Water
Enterprise Fund for $2,346,389. SECONDED by Mr. Danehey. No discussion. Unanimous vote. (4-0)
66 Waterways Enterprise Fund

Mr. Agnew made a correction to his recommendation under Line 5190 Seasonal Salaries to $121,711 and a new “bottom line” of $1,037,107. Harbormaster Patterson and Mr. Howie Kreutzberg, Chairman of the Waterways Commission, were present at tonight’s meeting.
Mr. Agnew stated that this budget has increased by approximately $47,000 and most of that is due to Personal Services and Debt & Interest. Mr. Vegnani asked if the number of personnel will remain the same? Harbormaster Patterson answered “yes”. Mr. Vegnani asked about the Fund’s revenue projections? Harbormaster Patterson stated that they have not “touched” the reserves. Mr. Kreutzberg noted that the have obtained $805,000 in grant monies as well as accelerate reimbursement for the dredging grant. Mr. Norton asked if there were any grants currently “in the works”? Harbormaster Patterson stated that an application has been submitted for a $30,000 grant to evaluate the Town Pier as well as an infrastructure grant for certain portions of the new Maritime Center. He noted that the South Shore Regional School has started work on the Center. Mr. Harris asked if there is still demand for moorings and slips in these economic times? Harbormaster Patterson sated that there are still people on the slip and mooring waiting lists. He added that there was a real “spike” in transient activity last year. Hopefully it will further increase this coming year.

Mr. Norton made a MOTION that the Board of Selectmen VOTE to SUPPORT
66 Waterways Enterprise Fund for $1,037,107. SECONDED by Mr. Danehey. No discussion. Unanimous vote. (4-0)

61 Golf Course Enterprise Fund

Mr. Agnew stated that the overall budget is down by $4,000 for FY2010. The revenues were $1,305,000. Line 5301 Management Fee refers to the maintenance contract for the Golf Course. The Town has just entered into year one of a five-year maintenance contract with IGM. In addition, the Food & Beverage contract was just awarded to James Miller for the next ten years. Line 5240 Repairs & Maintenance for $23,000 primarily covers golf cart maintenance and cart batteries. Cart batteries cost $800 per cart. Mr. Norton asked if the Town does anything to increase tournament play at Widow’s Walk? Mr. Agnew stated that outings have dropped due to the economy, the fact that Scituate’s location is twenty minutes off the highway and there is no real dining facility. Mr. Norton suggests working out a deal with a local country club regarding the meal portion of an outing. “We need a ‘package’ to present to these people. We need to increase revenues.” Mr. Vegnani suggests using a marketing person to sell these types of deals. He asked if the Golf Course is requesting any capital expenses in FY2010? Mr. Agnew answered “no”. The Special Town Meeting warrant will contain a request for a new aerator($22,000), which will come out of retained earnings. A large portion of this budget is debt and interest. The bond will be paid off in 2016. Mr. Agnew noted that the parking lot needs to be paved soon and the irrigation system will need to be replaced in the next ten years. Mr. Norton noted the benefits of the Golf Course in the off-season for recreational purposes.

Mr. Vegnani made a MOTION that the Board of Selectmen VOTE to SUPPORT
61 Golf Course Enterprise Fund for $1,270,368. SECONDED by Mr. Danehey. No discussion. Unanimous vote. (4-0)

The following budgets were discussed at a Selectmen’s meeting in December 2008 and voted this evening.

122 Selectmen

Mr. Vegnani made a MOTION that the Board of Selectmen VOTE to SUPPORT
122 Selectmen for $247,761. SECONDED by Mr. Danehey. No discussion. Unanimous vote. (4-0)

123 Administrator

Mr. Vegnani made a MOTION that the Board of Selectmen VOTE to SUPPORT
123 Administrator for $225,680. SECONDED by Mr. Danehey. No discussion. Unanimous vote. (4-0)

141 Assessors

Mr. Vegnani made a MOTION that the Board of Selectmen VOTE to SUPPORT
141 Assessors for $183,513. SECONDED by Mr. Danehey. No discussion. Unanimous vote. (4-0)

149 Administration

Mr. Vegnani made a MOTION that the Board of Selectmen VOTE to SUPPORT
149 Administration for $106,490. SECONDED by Danehey. No discussion. Unanimous vote. (4-0)

171 Conservation

Mr. Vegnani made a MOTION that the Board of Selectmen VOTE to SUPPORT
171 Conservation for $120,882. SECONDED by Mr. Danehey. No discussion. Unanimous vote. (4-0)

549 Commission on Disabilities

Mr. Vegnani made a MOTION that the Board of Selectmen VOTE to SUPPORT
549 Commission on Disabilities for $5,075. SECONDED by Mr. Danehey. No discussion. Unanimous vote. (4-0)

650 Beautification

Mr. Vegnani made a MOTION that the Board of Selectmen VOTE to SUPPORT
650 Beautification $16,200. SECONDED by Mr. Danehey. No discussion. Unanimous vote. (4-0)

9. APPOINTMENTS

Mr. Danehey made a MOTION that the Board of Selectmen APPOINT Fran McMillen as an associate member of the Waterways Commission. SECONDED by Mr. Vegnani. No discussion. Unanimous vote. (4-0)

Mr. Danehey stated that the Affordable Housing Trust must have a minimum of five members and a maximum of nine members. At present, the Trust only has two members.

Mr. Vegnani made a MOTION that the Board of Selectmen APPOINT George Trafton, Donald Ivas and Daniel Hoffman to the Affordable Housing Trust. SECONDED by
Mr. Danehey. No discussion. Unanimous vote. (4-0)

10. REPORT/ Director of Department of Public Works

Mr. Al Bangert, Director of the Department of Public Works, stated that the Snow & Ice budget reached its limit during the last storm and we will now need to deficit spend for the rest of the season. He noted that when the Highway Division clears a road during a storm, the number one priority is to make certain that emergency vehicles can get through and secondarily, that the streets are passable for motorists. “The focus is on public safety. Drivers need to exercise prudence on snowy streets.” Mr. Norton asked everyone to keep in mind that every dollar that the Town deficit spends will come off what we get next year.

11. UPDATE/ Town Administrator Search

Mr. Norton asked for this item to be placed on each Agenda for the next couple of months. The Administrative Assistant stated that the advertisement is on three websites and will be published in the Massachusetts Municipal Association’s Beacon on February 2, 2009. Three applications have been received to date.

12. OTHER BUSINESS

Mr. Vegnani stated that he and Mssrs. Harris, Norton and Danehey plan to attend the MMA’s Annual Meeting and Trade Show in Boston this coming weekend. At that time, the Selectmen will hear much more about the state of the State. Mr. Vegnani announced that final registration for Little League would be held this Saturday, January 24th. The age group is Kindergarten through Grade 9. Mr. Harris stated that the Little League is a “great organization”.

Mr. Harris asked about Season Passholder cards and days of the week and times of the year that they can be used at Widow’s Walk Golf Course. It is his understanding that originally there was no Friday afternoon play for Passholders from Memorial Day to Labor Day and that the latter date has now been pushed off to early October. Mr. Agnew will check on that, but he still thinks the Passholder’s card is a “deal”.

13. CORRESPONDENCE

Mr. Norton read a letter read a letter congratulating Mr. George Story, Supervisor of the Public Buildings and Grounds Division, on his retirement after forty-one years with the Town. The original, signed copy of the letter will be mailed to Mr. Story.

14. MINUTES

Mr. Danehey made a MOTION that the Board of Selectmen VOTE to ACCEPT the Minutes of January 29, 2008. SECONDED by Mr. Norton. No discussion. Danehey, Harris and Norton voted in favor of the motion. Mr. Veganani did not vote. The motion carries. (3-0)

15. CONSIDERATION/ PURCHASE/ EXCHANGE/ LEASE/ VALUE OF REAL PROPERTY
& LAGOR NEGOTIATIONS (Executive Sessions)

The Board of Selectmen entered into Executive Session via roll call at 8:40 PM and did not return to Regular Session this evening.

16. ADJOURNMENT

The meeting was adjourned at 8:40 PM.

BOARD OF SELECTMEN

_____________________________
Richard W. Murray, Chairman

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Shawn Harris, Vice Chairman

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John F. Danehey

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Joseph P. Norton

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Anthony V. Vegnani

Respectfully submitted,

Kimberley A. Donovan
Administrative Assistant