MINUTES OF MEETING

BOARD OF SELECTMEN

JULY 14, 2009

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

Press: Scituate Mariner, Patriot Ledger

1. The meeting was called to order at 6:00PM.

2. ACCEPTANCE OF AGENDA/ WALK-IN PERIOD

Mr. Danehey made a MOTION that the Board of Selectmen VOTE to ACCEPT the Agenda for July 14, 2009. SECONDED by Mr. Harris. No discussion. Unanimous vote. (5-0)

There were no walk-ins this evening.

3. DISCUSSION/ VOTE/ Innkeepers and Common Victualler’s Licenses/ Inn at Scituate
Harbor
Mr. Danehey excused himself from this discussion and vote because the new owners of the Inn at Scituate Harbor are his clients. Owners Dave Ferguson and Michael Cooney were present at tonight’s meeting. Mr. Ferguson explained that three Scituate families are in the process of purchasing the Inn at Scituate Harbor – the Fergusons, Cooneys and Leavers. They are set to “close” with the bank this Thursday and need these licenses “in place”. Mr. Norton knows that many people are thankful that the Inn will re-open soon. The building is of great value to Scituate, its merchants and guests coming to visit the Town. Mr. Vegnani asked about the intentions of the new owners for this site? Mr. Ferguson stated that he and Mr. Leaver have been involved with the operations of hotels for a combined fifty years. They will keep the building as an inn. “It will always be an inn.” They will make improvements to the restaurant, the grounds, parking lot and the building will be painted. Improvements to the guest rooms will occur right away. The families intend to make the Inn their “life”. They hope to open Friday, August 7, 2009. Mr. Harris concurred that the Town is very excited about the Inn re-opening. “Will you open the pool?” Mr. Ferguson stated that their intention is to open the pool. Mr. Murray also supports the re-opening of the Inn.

Mr. Murray made a MOTION that the Board of Selectmen VOTE to GRANT an Innholder’s License to the Inn at Scituate Harbor, 7 Beaver Dam Road, upon successful inspections by Fire, Building and Health Departments. SECONDED by Mr. Harris. No discussion. Unanimous vote. (4-0) Mr. Danehey did not vote.

Mr. Murray made a MOTION that the Board of Selectmen VOTE to GRANT a Common Victualler’s License to the Inn at Scituate Harbor, 7 Beaver Dam Road, upon successful inspections by the Fire, Building and Health Departments. SECONDED by Mr. Harris. No discussion. Unanimous vote. (4-0) Mr. Danehey did not vote.

Mr. Ferguson stated that Building and Fire had completed their inspections.

Mr. Danehey re-entered the meeting.

4. VOTE/ LINE ITEM TRANSFERS/ Town Accountant

Mr. Norton explained that these Line Item Transfers pertain to FY2009 and must be voted prior to July 15, 2009. Ms. Gallagher explained that some of the shortfalls were covered by Reserve Fund Transfers and the Line Item Transfers are needed to fund the balance of those line items that are “short”. Ms. Gallagher reviewed the list of Line Item Transfers. Mr. Norton noted that it is a “good thing” that the Town will not have a deficit going into FY2010.

Mr. Murray made a MOTION that the Board of Selectmen VOTE to GRANT (Support) Line Item Transfers as recommended by the Town Accountant. SECONDED by Mr. Danehey. Discussion – Mr. Vegnani stated that these funds would simply be transferred from one department to another. The largest transfers will be for Snow & Ice and Debt service. Mr. Norton noted that recent reports indicate that additional “cuts” will be coming down from the State level. This may ultimately mean adjustments to local aid. Mr. Danehey suggested that the Board get an update from the Town Accountant on a monthly basis. Ms. Gallagher stated that she does monthly reports to see where the Town stands in comparison to last year. No further discussion. Unanimous vote. (5-0)

Mr. Vegnani stated that it appears that the Town is approximately a quarter of a million dollars over budget for FY2010 and that amount will have to be deficit spent between the Town and School sides. Unemployment figures, originally were projected high, may be lower than anticipated. Ms. Gallagher noted that local receipts may also might need to be re-examined.

5. APPOINTMENTS/ Democratic & Unenrolled Town Election Workers

Mr. Harris made a MOTION that the Board of Selectmen APPOINT Democratic Town Committee and Unenrolled Election Workers per the submitted lists. SECONDED by Mr. Murray. No discussion. Unanimous vote. (5-0)

6. RESOLUTION/ Bottle Bill

Mr. Danehey summarized the “Updated Bottle Bill”, which will allow redemption of other classifications of bottles.

Mr. Danehey made a MOTION that the Board of Selectmen ACCEPT the Resolution updating the Bottle Bill. SECONDED by Mr. Murray. No discussion. Unanimous vote. (5-0)

7. OTHER BUSINESS

Mr. Danehey commended the Police and Fire Departments for their efforts over the July 4th weekend. He also thanked the Department of Public Works and Mr. Pete Spenser for clean up efforts on Peggotty Beach and Sand Hills Beach.

8. CORRESPONDENCE

Mr. Danehey read letters from (1) Mr. Arthur Brown thanking everyone involved (especially Animal Control Officer, Kimberly Stewart) in the opening of the new Scituate Animal Shelter, (2) a letter thanking the Department of Public Works for cleaning up the seaweed at Sand Hills Beach, and (3) a letter from FEMA stating that the Town’s National Flood Insurance Program rating will increase to a Class 8 giving the community a ten percent discount on specific flood insurance.

9. ADJOURNMENT

Mr. Murray made a MOTION that the Board of Selectmen VOTE to ADJOURN the Meeting at 6:20 PM. SECONDED by Mr. Harris. No discussion. Unanimous vote. (5-0)

BOARD OF SELECTMEN

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Joseph P. Norton, Chairman

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John F. Danehey

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Shawn Harris

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Richard W. Murray

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Anthony V. Vegnani

Respectfully submitted,

Kimberley A. Donovan
Administrative Assistant