BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Natick Town Hall
AGENDA
December 22, 2008
2:30 p.m.
The meeting of the Board of Selectmen was called to order by the Chairman John Ciccariello at 2:35 p.m.
PRESENT: John Ciccariello, Joshua Ostroff, and Carol A. Gloff
ALSO PRESENT: Martha White, Town Administrator; Maureen Fleming, Secretary
WARRANTS: Payroll warrants were signed by the Board of Selectmen on December 22, 2008 in the amount of $1,754,618.6. This figure was included in total warrants signed by the Board of Selectmen of $2,308,057.66.
TEENS RESCUED FROM PICKEREL POND
Mr. Ciccariello opened the meeting wishing to make a couple comments regarding an incident that occurred this past Friday afternoon. He reported that two teens were rescued from Pickerel Pond after falling through the ice in frigid temperatures for about an hour. The boys suffered from extreme hypothermia and frostbite. Firefighters had to walk a mile through the woods to get to them. Chairman Ciccariello said first of all he would like to extend his thoughts and prayers to the boys and their families and everyone involved in the incident. Mr. Ciccariello added that he would also like to extend his thanks and appreciation from the Town Administration and Board of Selectmen for everything the Fire Department did and he understood the Police Department
was involved as well and would extend his thanks to all of those involved in the rescue. He said that he asked Chief Sheridan to be here today and talk for a minute about the incident.
Chief Sheridan said that before he begins he would like to thank the Board of Selectmen and Town Administrator for the training provided over the years and all the equipment they have purchased. He said that they used every rescue person working that day and all their equipment. From the bottom of his heart he wished to thank the Board and Administration very much. Chief Sheridan said that he did want to remind everyone, particularly children, that there is no safe ice and to never assume the ice is safe. He added that he hoped to have an opportunity to comment publicly on this incident on behalf of the Fire Department and everyone involved in the rescue.
- E.P. CLARK POST #107: CLUB PERMIT
Chairman Ciccariello asked if everything was in order pertaining to this permit and received by our office to which Ms. White answered that it was. Ms. Gloff moved approval of the club permit under Chapter 336 of the Acts of 2004 for the E.P. Clark Post #107, seconded by Mr. Ostroff and unanimously voted.
- MMMA: LEGISLATIVE SPECIAL MUNICIPAL RELIEF PRIORITIES
Ms. White explained that the MMMA is a subset of the Mass Municipal Association and is the management component of this group. Ms. White said that she met with the committee of legislators and Representative Alice Peisch on Friday who have been working on a list of priorities. They worked to create ideas that would help cities and towns reduce the impact of the current economic recession on municipal services. The Town Administrator explained that each community is being asked to endorse these ideas. Mr. Ciccariello asked if there were any questions from the Board. Mr. Ostroff thought there was a great deal of overlap with this package but that he is on board with it. He said the intent was to give cities and towns more flexibility and
Mr. Ostroff added that he is supportive of this initiative. Ms. Gloff said that she likes that it is a communication of ideas that are worth implementing if possible.
Chairman Ciccariello said that there were several things on this list that were here before for consideration. He would move to send a letter on behalf of the Town if that is what is needed and to endorse the ideas contained in the list from MMMA. Ms. Gloff seconded and the motion was unanimously voted. Mr. Ostroff stated that if they are looking for a representative to work on the census, he has done this kind of work before and would be willing to help. Chairman Ciccariello asked if this is something that the Town Clerk’s office is responsible for. In response Ms. White said this is typically done in the Town Clerk’s office. Mr. Ciccariello asked that the Town Administrator look into this and determine whose responsibility it
is.
EXTENSION OF FREE DOWNTOWN PARKING
On another matter Mr. Ciccariello expressed his thanks to the Town Administration and Public Works employees for all their efforts this past weekend with the back to back storms. He mentioned that they were busy plowing the entire weekend and most of these employees have families. He said that on behalf of the Board he would like to express the Board’s appreciation for their hard work. After speaking to Public Works, Ms. White added that they plan to do the downtown clean-up during normal business hours instead of using overtime. Mr. Ostroff mentioned that citizens are unable to reach the parking meters due to the snow and wanted to know if the Board was willing to extend the free parking until they can get to the parking meters easier. Ms. Gloff would move
that we keep free parking until January 1st, but after some thought moved that it be extended to January 5th when the Board is meeting again. Mr. Ostroff seconded her motion which was unanimous.
At 2:50 p.m. Mr. Ciccariello moved to go close this portion of the meeting and take a ten minute recess until 3:00 p.m. at which time the Board will have a joint meeting with the Planning Board regarding parking issues.
JOINT MEETING WITH THE PLANNING BOARD: PARKING ISSUES
At 3:05 p.m. the meeting was reconvened and the Board met with members of the Planning Board and MAPC to discuss parking issues in the downtown area. The detailed minutes of this section of the meeting were kept by the Planning Board.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 4:00 p.m.
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Kristine Van Amsterdam, Clerk
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