BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Natick Town Hall
June 7, 2004
6:00 p.m.
The meeting was called to order by the Chairman John Ciccariello at 6:00 p.m.
PRESENT: John Ciccariello, Jay H. Ball, Charles M. Hughes, John Connolly. Absent – Paul R. McKinley
ALSO PRESENT: Philip E. Lemnios, Town Administrator; Donna Challis, Secretary
WARRANTS: Payroll warrants were signed by the Board of Selectmen on June 7, 2004 in the amount of $1,513,754.92. This figure was included in total warrants signed by the Board of Selectmen of $2,723,521.40.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Mr. Hughes, seconded by Mr. Ball, moved to enter into executive session for the purpose of discussing matters pertaining to litigation. A roll call vote was unanimous and the Board so retired at 6:00 p.m. after announcing that the meeting would return to open session.
The open session was called to order at 7:00 p.m.
Mr. Ciccariello announced that the Town had been awarded a plaque from the Massachusetts Association of Land Surveyors and Engineers in recognition of the Town of Natick being the center of the population in Massachusetts. They studied the population of Natick and determined that Natick, specifically a location adjacent to the football field, was the population center of Massachusetts. This will be done every ten years and more than likely Natick will be the center for some time.
MINUTES
With a correction on page 5, the minutes of the February 23, 2004 meeting were approved on a motion by Mr. Hughes, seconded by Mr. Ball. The vote was 3-0-1 with Mr. Ciccariello, Mr. Ball, Mr. Hughes voting in favor of the motion. Mr. Connolly abstained.
STUDENTS FOR PLANET EARTH; RESOLUTION – CITIES FOR CLIMATE CHANGE
Environmental Compliance Officer Robert Bois introduced a short power point presentation by the Natick High School Earth Club on the resolution for participation in the cities for climate protection campaign (CCP).
With the students were Natick High School science teachers Susan Haverstick and Dan Hinnenkamp. Representing the Natick High School Earth Club were Tom Kwock, Aaron Thom, and Michael Wasserman.
Aaron Thom reviewed what greenhouse gases were and how they worked. He explained that greenhouse gases included water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide. They allowed sunlight to enter the atmosphere freely and trap the heat. The amount of energy absorbed and released over time should be about constant to keep the temperature stable. He then provided the Board with an overview of what could happen.
Michael Wasserman covered the section on what would happen with global warming noting that as the temperature rises the glaciers begin to melt and the sea levels begin to rise and flooding occurs on coastal areas and there was an increase in severe thunderstorms. Birds would begin to migrate north sooner and flowers bloom sooner and that would lead to more predators and soon some cold climate animals would become extinct.
Mr. Wasserman explained that the CCP (Cities for Climate Protection) was a program that engaged cities, towns, and counties in reducing the greenhouse gas pollution that causes global warming. The CCP began in 1993 and there were more than 140 cities, towns, and counties in the US
STUDENTS FOR PLANET EARTH; RESOLUTION – CITIES FOR CLIMATE CHANGE (contd)
and over 550 worldwide participating in the CCP. In Massachusetts there were 18 communities including Boston and Worcester.
Tom Kwok highlighted what would be done if the Board were to approve the joining of the CCP. They would conduct a local emissions inventory and forecast of greenhouse emissions, adopt an emissions reduction target, draft an action plan to achieve the target, implement the action plan, and evaluate and report on progress.
As to why the Board of Selectmen should sign the resolution, Mr. Thom explained that it would save money, the NHS Earth Club would assist the Town government in making Natick a healthier place to live, and Natick would become partners with a worldwide network of town governments that act to protect the climate.
Mr. Ball inquired if his understanding that at this time there were only 18 cities and towns in Massachusetts participating was correct, and Mr. Thom’s response was, ‘yes’. Mr. Ball then inquired as to how long the program had been underway and was told by Mr. Bois that it started in 1993. Many towns had proto-types of action plans for them to follow. The current for this was picking up and there was interest in participating. Governor Romney announced that Massachusetts was going through its own global warming program.
Mr. Ball noted that it had been a decade so it was slow getting going. He then called attention to the five bullet points at the end and noted that his first reaction was who was going to do this. Was it the students? Mr. Bois explained that it would be a joint effort between the Biology Club and the Town. A lot of the information resided with the Town. There was already a management structure that could actually do this and there were already the key players that were integral in
developing the program. The kids would help prepare the inventory through the Town and through the general census.
Since part of the plan involved government, Mr. Ball wondered whether there had been any contact with the Youth Advisory Board. The YAB was a group of high school students whose main mission was to interface with the youth and Town government. If there hadn’t been any contact, he urged that it be done.
Ms. Haverstick found that to be a great idea.
Mr. Connolly applauded the teachers for their participation and asked each of the students why they were interested in this.
Mr. Wasserman told the Board that he was always interested in science and once Mr. Bois, Ms. Haverstick and Mr. Hinnenkamp told them about this program, he found it interesting. The amount of pollution in the area could be lowered.
Mr. Kwok stated that he liked science and helping the community and this would be a good chance to use both.
Mr. Thom noted that we were all living on this earth and we need to protect it.
Mr. Bois pointed out that it may not be realized but in a time when interest in government was declining, these students would get a good feel for what local government was about.
Mr. Ciccariello thanked the students and teachers. The Board signed the resolution for Natick to participate in the Cities for Climate Protection and presented it to the students.
DOLPHIN SEAFOOD RESTAURANT: APPLICATION FOR ENTERTAINMENT LICENSE
Peter Giannocopoulos, owner of the Dolphin Seafood Restaurant at 12 Washington Street appeared before the Board to request an entertainment license.
DOLPHIN SEAFOOD RESTAURANT: APPLICATION FOR ENTERTAINMENT LICENSE (contd)
Mr. Ball asked if there would be a charge for this entertainment, and Mr. Giannocopoulos’ response was, ‘no’. He noted that most of their functions don’t need entertainment but there were functions that like to bring in a band or DJ. He has not contacted anybody to play for the purpose of bringing business in. Mostly there were groups that come in and want to promote their own product. He also had piped in music and TV.
Mr. Hughes noted that the application was for a seven-day license so Mr. Giannocopoulos would have the ability to offer the entertainment every day. Mr. Giannocopoulos advised that the Dolphin was usually closed on Sundays, but sometimes they would open.
Mr. Hughes moved approval of granting the Dolphin Seafood Restaurant an entertainment license for premises at 12 Washington Street. Seconded by Mr. Ball and unanimously voted.
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
a. Update on Water Meter Replacement Program
DPW Director Charles Sisitsky noted that bids were opened in November 2001 following a Town Meeting appropriation to replace all water meters. The Town had approximately 12,290 meters. Replacement began in June 2002 and as of today 9,748 or approximately 80% had been replaced.
When the meters were put out to bid, there was an alternate bid for the contractor to install the meters and that came back at $80 per meter. The DPW reviewed the workload in-house and capacity and the decision was made that Town staff could do the work. The work force was arranged and low priority projects were delayed for 3 years and a few teams of people were created to do the new meters. They expected to finish as of January 2005, about six months earlier than the three years they thought it would take.
Mr. Sisitsky continued that as it got closer to completion, it would get harder to get into businesses and residential homes to change the meters and at that point they may come back to the Board and ask the Board to adopt a policy to give the DPW the ability to get into those homes and businesses. Discussion of those problems will begin with the Town Administrator this summer and brought to the Board’s attention in the fall.
With only 20% left to be installed, Mr. Hughes asked if that represented the problem ones. Mr. Sisitsky’s response was, ‘no’, it (number of problems) would be smaller. Ten percent was the rest of the commercial and when they got to the remaining 10% he wasn’t sure how many would be a problem. He anticipated some problems would occur because the buildings weren’t owner occupied. They would have to contact the landlords in other communities and may need some strong language.
Mr. Ball inquired as to the reliability of the new meters and was told by Water & Sewer Supervisor Jack Perodeau that there had been very few problems. Asked if there had been any unit failures, Mr. Perodeau advised that there had been a couple and they had sent them back and they were replaced at no cost.
Mr. Ciccariello commented that most of the work was being done on regular time versus overtime, and Mr. Sisitsky confirmed that as being correct.
b. Chapter 90 Roadway Improvements: Award Bid
Mr. Sisitsky advised that bids to do roadwork for this summer were received on May 27, 2004. There were four bids received with Murray
Paving & Reclamation, Inc. being the low bidder at $510,895.60. Murray Paving had done work for the Town before and the DPW was satisfied with their work. He recommended awarding the contract to Murray.
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS (contd)
In his memo to the Board, Mr. Sisitsky indicated that the funding would come in part from $505,000 of encumbered Chapter 90 funds and Mr. Hughes inquired as to how many years it took to get to the $505,000. Mr. Sisitsky replied that it was one year’s allotment. The memo also indicated that funding was from $30,485.68 encumbered from the Sherman Street sewer project fund, and Mr. Hughes questioned if that was enough to finish the Sherman Street project. Mr. Sisitsky advised that it was taken out of the sewer contract because instead of having the contractor do it, Murray Paving would do it. Asked if that was a bond done through a betterment, Mr. Sisitsky responded that it was a repair.
Mr. Ball noted that sections of Irving Road were in terrible disrepair. He noticed on the project list that Irving was scheduled for a chip seal and he questioned if that would provide a stable surface. Mr. Sisitsky advised that it would, adding that chip seal was different than it used to be.
Town Engineer Mark Coviello noted that in the area where the chip seal was going to be done, the roads were not in good shape. Before doing a chip seal on Irving, some repairs would be done and an asphalt-leveling course would be put on. It would sit over the winter and in the spring the chip seal would be applied. There would be a little roll off of the stone but after a week it would stop and the DPW would go back and sweep. There hadn’t been any problems and there had been a regular program for over two years with very few complaints. After a year you don’t notice it as a rough shaped surface.
Mr. Hughes inquired as to the timeline for doing the nine roads listed, and Mr. Coviello responded that he tried to time the contractor during the summer when school was out. He was trying to finish everything by November 1st. The chip seals will stabilize over the winter.
Mr. Coviello distributed a three-year paving plan that included this year’s projects. The blue defined the area that would hopefully be done this year from some savings in the Highway Division from the combination with the Sanitation Division. If those funds were available, those streets would be done. He noted that he liked to do a cohesive network of roads in the neighborhood. There was a pavement management plan and a computer software program. A consultant went through and rated the roads and he had been using the plan and updating it yearly and giving a numerical rating of the roads. When people call they seem to be satisfied that it was done by some plan.
Mr. Hughes asked about Howe Street noting that the section slated to be done in 2005 was not the worst section. Mr. Coviello explained that the other section was not accepted, but when they got out there he would approach the neighbors and if they wanted to contract with the contractor, they could probably get it for the same price. Mr.
Ciccariello asked about contacting the abutters with a price to do it and see if they would split it and put it on their taxes. Mr. Coviello advised that it couldn’t be done that way. The neighbors would have to contract separately and generally the contractor would do it for the same unit price.
Mr. Ball recalled that Fletcher Creamer was going to come back and do patches (on Route 27) and asked if they were done. Mr. Coviello’s response was, “no”. To Mr. Ball’s query as to when it would be done, Mr. Perodeau replied that they were about l/2 done. Fletcher Creamer had a private contractor doing it and he (Mr. Perodeau) spoke to them (Fletcher Creamer) today and was told that within the next couple of weeks it should be done.
When the contract goes out, Mr. Ciccariello asked if it were possible to notify the neighbors that this work would be taking place in their neighborhood. Mr. Coviello advised that that was done if the egress for their house was affected and for the chip sealing being done this week notices were sent. If doing the leveling or paving and it affects someone getting into their property, they would be notified, but on the normal course they don’t (notify the neighbors) because as part of the contract access had to be kept open.
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS (contd)
Mr. Ciccariello then asked if the contract included a payment performance bond and Mr. Sisitsky’s reply was, “yes”. In follow-up Mr. Ciccariello asked if the contract had a specific start and completion date and liquidated damages. Ms. Coviello advised that there was a start date, but there were no liquidated damages because there was no impact to the Town if a roadway didn’t get done. The DPW did not allow any start after November 15th. Mr. Ciccariello disagreed with not having any liquidated damages and questioned what would be the incentive to get them to do it on time. Mr. Coviello reiterated that there was a performance bond but no there was no impact to the Town.
Mr. Connolly requested an itemized price for each of the nine roads listed. He also inquired as to when the last time this work was done.
Mr. Coviello advised that most of these streets hadn’t been done in over thirty years and some hadn’t been done since they were originally built. As to the request for an itemization for each road, Mr. Coviello noted that when the contractor bid it was a unit price. It was not broken down by street but he (Mr. Coviello) did a spreadsheet and could provide that information.
Mr. Hughes moved to award the contract for 2004 roadway improvements to the low bidder Murray Paving & Reclamation, Inc. in the amount of $510,895.60. Seconded by Mr. Connolly and unanimously voted.
NSTAR PETITION: WALNUT STREET; ONE ANCHOR GUY
Mr. Lemnios reminded the Board that this petition had been held over from the last meeting pending further information relative to where the wire would fall.
NStar representative Barry Salvucci, who was present to discuss double poles, stated that he was not aware of this petition. He was brand new to the territory and he had come to discuss the double pole issues. He could get back to the Town tomorrow, but he was not prepared tonight.
Mr. Ciccariello noted that part of the discussion that led to inviting Nstar to come tonight was a concern of an abutter with the number of double poles. Nstar had been before the Board many times to discuss double and triple poles and at the last presentation the Board was presented some documents and charts. He suggested that perhaps Mr. Salvucci could give the Board an update of where it stood, what’s being done, and some assurance that things would get done.
Mr. Salvucci noted that a lot of Nstar’s communities had this issue, but Nstar had constraints and didn’t have the resources they used to when they were Boston Edison to tackle things like double poles. Their (Nstar) priority was to maintain the reliability of electrical service. Presently there were 95 double poles in Natick that were ready for Nstar to remove. Paul Heanu was here before and he was the guy. The resources came from him and he could commit to remove 25 by the end of August.
Mr. Salvucci continued that Nstar was doing something that was completely foreign to their company. They were looking to outsource and were negotiating with outside contractors to help with this effort. It seemed that Nstar was pretty much on track to reach the goal and if that happened, the 25 became a larger number. If they got the outside contractors, he would commit to the Board that he would work as hard as he could to get Natick a priority status.
Mr. Salvucci reiterated that this was a new territory for him and he was told that the database was implemented June 1. Nstar would automatically receive communication when a pole was set.
Mr. Ciccariello noted that in the past Nstar indicated that there was a database where the other utilities were notified when the pole was ready (for them to remove their lines). Mr. Ciccariello requested an updated printout from the database, but Mr. Salvucci was unable to provide it that night. Asked if he could have it in a week, Mr. Salvucci’s reply was, ‘sure’.
NSTAR PETITION: WALNUT STREET; ONE ANCHOR GUY (contd)
It was Mr. Ball’s understanding that when a new pole needs to be replaced, Nstar came in, put it in place, transferred their (Nstar) wires, but couldn’t remove the pole until everybody was off. The issue raised several times in the past was who was responsible for making sure that the utility company with the next lower set of wires was apprised. Mr. Salvucci noted that that was the database. The old system was in effective, but this was an electronic system. Mr. Ball pointed out that the system automatically sent an e-mail to Verizon, but did Nstar get a response and log a response. Mr. Salvucci believed it was an electronic acceptance and noted that there was a way to determine if the message had been received.
What concerned Mr. Ball was that Nstar was responsible to remove the power lines but once that was done, the responsibility for coordinating with the other users seemed to get very diffuse. He would like the Town to have the ability to look at the data base and see how many poles, who’s the next guy, and if there was a double pole that was particularly egregious that the Town get on the telephone and say move this shortly. Mr. Salvucci stated that he would investigate and get back to Mr. Ball or Mr. Lemnios.
Mr. Connolly didn’t see why a Town employee should be paid to do what Nstar should do. He had a little concern with Nstar being understaffed. Natick’s Town Meeting voted to get rid of the double poles and he wanted to see what the Town Meeting voted be acted on.
Referring to Mr. Salvucci’s comment that 95 poles were ready to be removed, Mr. Lemnios thought there were in excess of 300.
Mr. Salvucci responded that he would be more than happy to step in and address the particular concern. He appreciated the Board’s frustration. He wasn’t making excuses, but it was what it was. In these days the focus was strictly reliability of product. In Natick Nstar was spending $1 million to bring added capacity and when you start prioritizing these projects and getting into double poles vs reliability, the reliability gets the attention right away. He didn’t like the way they (double poles) looked and concurred with the Board.
Gordon VanTassel, the Fire Department Communication Technician, was asked for his observations. Mr. VanTassel didn’t think the database was exactly as Mr. Salvucci stated. At the last meeting with representatives of Nstar they set up this program on the computer and you have to log in to see what poles were double poles and it said the ball was in whose court. A few weeks ago it said he (Mr. VanTassel) had five poles for which he was next. He did those five poles and there was nothing more on the list for him to do. Today he did a rundown and Nstar had 23, 5 fire alarm, Comcast 0, RCN 29, Verizon 263. There were double poles out there for 15-17 years, and Nstar was putting up a lot of new poles so there will be a lot more.
Mr. VanTassel noted that you had to physically check this program on your own. An e-mail was not sent and he was not allowed to change the report. He had to call a number and say these poles were done. He did that two weeks ago and the database still wasn’t changed.
Comcast representative Frank Foss noted that Comcast only looked good for a number of reasons. RCN was above Comcast and as soon as RCN did their 29 poles, Comcast would get notified. If there were 100 above them that meant that Comcast would have those transfers in the future. In Waltham, Wayland and a few other towns the data base system was working well. It was something that would take time and would evolve. The key was getting the information revolving through the system and it took 2-3 weeks.
Rich Colon, Verizon Regional Director told the Board that Verizon had the same problem as Nstar and that was resources. They have dedicated a crew to Natick to deal with this. The database showed they had 263 poles, but speaking with the construction manager he knew that that number was less by at least 50. On average they could do 4-6 transfers per day and he thought a reasonable timeframe for completing the
NSTAR PETITION: WALNUT STREET; ONE ANCHOR GUY (contd)
transfers would be 4-6 months. He assured the Board that a crew was dedicated to Natick and would continue to be dedicated for this transfer work. He also noted that the database was only as good as the person who maintained it. The double poles on the database today were over 400. If Verizon transferred the 263 that would push Nstar up to over 300.
Mr. Ball asked if his understanding was correct that a crew was dedicated to Natick to do double poles, and Mr. Colon responded that the crew was just to do transfer work. Asked if they worked eight hours a day, five days a week, Mr. Colon responded, ‘yes’.
Mr. Ball recalled that the last time it was discussed there were crews that would be out and then get sent to another Town. He questioned if it was Mr. Colon’s understanding that the crew would remain dedicated to this specific task. Mr. Colon wasn’t familiar with the previous conversation, but said he asked the construction manager and the answer was, ‘yes’ (to the crew staying dedicated to this task).
In response to Mr. Lemnios’ comment on getting through quicker than the 4-6 months, Mr. Colon replied that he wouldn’t make a promise he couldn’t keep and he thought 4-6 months was a reasonable timeframe. The issue was resources and a crew was one or two. As a follow-up Mr. Lemnios inquired as to how Verizon and Nstar would coordinate once Verizon removed its lines. He invited both representatives to attend a meeting this week or next to talk about exactly what was going to happen when Verizon attachments were complete so it could be hit a little harder in the good weather months. It would seem that there was an opportunity to chew into the backlog of 440 if the two representatives would coordinate the efforts much more closely and perhaps push for a little more manpower.
Mr. Salvucci stated that he would be glad to do that, and Mr. Colon noted that he had no problem with having a meeting.
Mr. Lemnios then suggested putting together a defined schedule saying this was where they would be this week. Mr. Colon thought that was feasible. Knowing from Mr. VanTassel’s experience that there was some lag time before the transfers got picked up, Mr. Lemnios proposed using that 2-3 weeks and talking to each other and saying we will be in this neighborhood this week. Mr. Colon didn’t think that would be a problem.
When he got back to Mr. Lemnios, Mr. Ball asked that Mr. Salvucci explain why it took 2-3 weeks for a notification from Mr. VanTassel of
his work to show up. It was obviously very low on the priority and he didn’t see why it took 2-3 weeks.
Mr. Ciccariello suggested that Mr. Lemnios speak with the two representatives and address the issues.
Mr. Hughes moved approval of the petition for an anchor guy on Walnut Street. Seconded by Mr. Ball and unanimously voted.
Mr. Connolly wanted to hear from the citizens who raised the concerns at the previous meeting. Todd Ente of Walnut Street responded that his concern was that there had been a pole running through the middle of his property. His wife had made several telephone calls to the utilities to get the double pole removed. The Fire Department came immediately, but the utility companies didn’t. It took l-l/2 years to get it removed. Now an additional double pole was going to be put in there. It seemed as though the double pole issue was a hot button for more than just him and he would appreciate talking after the meeting and appreciated the Board’s support.
Mr. Ciccariello noted that this petition was a guy wire and not another pole. He (Mr. Ciccariello) asked Mr. Lemnios to keep Mr. Ente advised.
CONTINUE PUBLIC HEARING: APPLICATION FOR TRANSFER OF ALL ALCOHOL COMMON VICTUALER’S LICENSE FROM HONG KONG DELIGHT TO HENG TONG, INC. D/B/A ORIENTAL PEARL
The Board had continued the public hearing on the application for the transfer of the all alcohol license held by Hong Kong Delight to Heng Tong, Inc. d/b/a Oriental Pearl for premises at 195 West Central Street.
Mr. Hughes recused himself from discussion and vote on this matter.
Attorney Yiping Du representing Oriental Pearl apologized for the proposed manager Yuan Quan Chen having to work and not being present. Mr. Du advised that Mr. Chen took the TIPS training course two days after the last meeting and would receive the certificate in about two weeks. Mr. Chen got a piece of paper today showing that he completed the course.
At Mr. Ciccariello’s request Mr. Du agreed to fax a copy of the letter to the Selectmen’s office the next day.
Mr. Ball moved to approve the transfer of the all alcohol common victualer’s license held by Hong Kong Delight to Heng Tong, Inc. d/b/a Oriental Pearl for premises at 195 West Central Street contingent upon receipt by 5:00 p.m. tomorrow of a copy of a letter saying the applicant had been trained and successfully completed the (TIPS) course. Seconded by Mr. Connolly. The motion passed on a 3-0-0 vote. Mr. Ciccariello, Mr. Ball, Mr. Connolly voted in favor of the motion. Mr. Hughes had recused himself and did not vote.
GOALS & OBJECTIVES
The Board decided to table discussion until Mr. McKinley was present.
SURPLUS EQUIPMENT – POLICE MOTORCYCLE
In a memo to the Board, DPW Equipment Maintenance Supervisor Tom Collins requested permission to surplus a 1995 Harley Davidson Police Special Motorcycle. As an alternative to the trade-in, Mr. Collins recommended doing a sealed bid surplus sale with the minimum set at $5,000. The average retail for that year was $8,600, but because this motorcycle had been in a serious accident, he suggested the minimum be $5,000.
Mr. Ciccariello questioned if it was normal to get rid of a motorcycle with 36,000 miles as it seemed low. It was pointed out that this motorcycle had been in a serious accident and was probably un-repairable. Mr. Lemnios confirmed that as being correct.
Mr. Hughes moved approval of surplusing a 1995 Harley Davidson Police Special Motorcycle Vin #1HD1DFL1XSY500475 to be disposed of by sealed bid with the minimum set at $5,000. Seconded by Mr. Ball and unanimously voted.
TOWN ADMINISTRATOR APPOINTMENTS TO PERSONNEL BOARD
Mr. Lemnios informed the Board that pursuant to Article 4, Section 4-2 of the Charter it was his intent to appoint the following individuals to the Personnel Board: Susan Salamoff, Kenneth Goldman, Steven Levinsky, Alan Rosenman, and Tom Cartier.
Mr. Lemnios reviewed the process following in making the selection noting that the position had been advertised, there were eight responses, and Deputy Town Administrator Stephen Lisauskas and he interviewed each and chose these candidates because they brought a unique blend of experience. Ms. Salamoff has served in government, Mr. Goldman has served on the Financial Operations Committee, Mr. Levinsky was a Vice-President for Human Resources at Fidelity, Mr. Rosenman worked for the federal government in Veteran’s Affairs and dealt with labor issues, and Mr. Cartier was a personnel director in the private sector and currently in the Department of Training.
Mr. Lemnios explained that the Board had a fifteen-day period in which to reject any of these candidates or the Board could waive that period.
TOWN ADMINISTRATOR APPOINTMENTS TO PERSONNEL BOARD (contd)
Given that it was a matter of debate at Town Meeting to put together a Personnel Board as soon as possible, Mr. Ciccariello suggested waiving the 15 days.
Mr. Ball moved to waive the 15-day period and ratify the appointment of Susan Salamoff, Kenneth Goldman, Steven Levinsky, Alan Rosenman, and Tom Cartier to the Personnel Board. Seconded by Mr. Hughes and unanimously voted.
RCN: REQUEST FOR MODIFICATION OF LICENSE
Mr. Lemnios referred to communication from RCN Vice-President and Regulatory Counsel Tom Steel advising that RCN had filed for Chapter 11 and requesting an amendment of the RCN license to provide relief from the requirement to serve all homes particularly those on underground utilities.
Mr. Ciccariello noted that the letter spoke to 603 homes and his recollection was that in the past the number was significantly higher. It made the presumption that everybody would take over and provide the services that RCN had agreed to in the past. He read this as the excuse for letting RCN off the hook because other people were doing it.
Mr. Ball preferred to table further discussion to resolve the issue of 603 vs 2500 homes. He also didn’t believe the Board was in possession of any written documents from Attorney Peter Epstein who was the Board’s cable counsel.
Mr. Hughes noted that the amendment was to avoid any further build out whatsoever. The letter said 603, but it would relieve them from doing all of the outstanding homes. Mr. Lemnios added that the amendment would give RCN relief from whatever was outstanding as opposed to a certain time period.
Mr. Hughes moved to table to July 12, 2004 and invite Mr. Steel to attend and possibly Mr. Epstein. Seconded by Mr. Ball and unanimously voted.
HOME RULE PETITION – CLUB LICENSES
The Board was in receipt of the final version of the home rule petition for club licenses that had been worked out by Town Counsel and the ABCC counsel. Mr. Lemnios noted that Mr. McKinley felt it was suitable for the next step which was to have Representative Linsky follow it through.
Mr. Hughes moved approval of the draft as presented. Seconded by Mr. Ball and unanimously voted.
In discussion of the motion, Mr. Ball commented that one thing that puzzled him was the stipulation that ‘profits be used solely for charitable purposes’. He questioned who would monitor that and how it would be monitored. Mr. Hughes suggested that the clubs could be asked to provide the Board with an annual report and make it a condition of the license.
Mr. Connolly inquired as to how different it was from the current rule, and Mr. Hughes responded that there wasn’t one. Mr. Lemnios noted that this was brand new relative to Natick and only Natick.
Mr. Connolly then inquired if it mattered what the veterans’ clubs thought of this, and Mr. Lemnios advised that the four clubs had input from the hearing. Asked by Mr. Connolly if this was language expressed
by the clubs, Mr. Lemnios replied that it was consistent with the intent brought forward.
WALCOTT FUND
Mr. Hughes noted that the Walcott was established by the will of John Walcott. He left some stock that was to be invested for 50 years and after that the income was to be used for the poor of Natick. Mr. McKinley was concerned that there hadn’t been any gifts for the use of the funds for two years. The pastor of the Episcopal Church was the
WALCOTT FUND (contd)
Chairman of the trustees and Mr. McKinley just wanted to get a report from the current trustees. It was an asset that hadn’t been used recently and that was probably because people weren’t aware of it.
Mr. Ball stated that he would like to know why there were only three members.
Mr. Hughes noted that Mr. McKinley had talked to the church and Reverend Strand was out-of-town until mid-August. He suggested scheduling a discussion the end of August/early September.
SELECTMEN’S CONCERNS
a. Acceptance of Gift – Boston Scientific
On a motion by Mr. Ball, seconded by Mr. Hughes, the Board unanimously voted to accept the donation of night vision monoculars (4), thermal imaging cameras (2), hand-held radar units (2), Vetronix crash data retrieval tool for use by the Police Department.
b. Eliot Street Safety Concerns
At Mr. Connolly’s request, Mr. Lemnios advised that he would refer the letter from several residents of Eliot Street outlining a number of safety concerns to the Safety Committee.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 8:45 p.m.
______________________________
Charles M. Hughes, Clerk
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