Select Board Meeting Minutes 12/14/22
Minutes of the meeting 12/14/22
Meeting Date: Wednesday December 14, 2022
Meeting Opened at 6:00pm
Select Board members present: Justin Makuc, Chair, Susan Cooper
Select Board members present remotely: Scott Jenssen
Also Present: Melissa Noe, Michele Miller, Laurie McArthur (SB secretary), Shawn Tryon, Laurie Shaw, Tom Mensi, Gerry Clarin, John Higgins
Also Present Remotely: Mary Kate Jordan, Peter Murkett, Wendy Germain, Jeff Zimmerman, Nancy Kleban, Mary Makuc, Barbara Swann, Rob Hoogs, Laura Mensi, Ellen Coburn, Nick Terzo, Kyle Pierce,
Call to Order 6:00pm
Old Business
- Reallocate American Rescue Plan Act funds from Greene Park Playground project and Community Center pavilion project to fund fuel budget overrun.
The fuel budget was increased from $20,000 to $30,000 this fiscal year; however, the fuel budget is now empty due to usage and a significant price increase. Options discussed included calling a special town meeting or using ARPA funds to help with the fuel budget until the next town meeting. The Select Board members discussed the pros and cons of holding a special town meeting, along with concerns that additional budgeting concerns may arise throughout the remainder of the fiscal year.
Justin recommended calling a Special Town Meeting to transfer money from free cash to cover the fuel budget, and waiting until the Annual Town Meeting to address additional funds for any possible shortfalls in the ARPA funded projects of the playground and the pavilion, if necessary. Members of the community and other departments discussed budgetary concerns, and Michele Miller, on behalf of the Finance Committee, suggested incorporating this information into the Capital Plan. Justin asked Melissa to send an email to all departments to determine if there are any significant shortfalls in department budgets which could also be addressed at the Special Town Meeting. The Select Board agreed to leave the ARPA funds as previously allocated.
Justin proposed that the Select Board consider either Saturday January 21st, 2023 or Saturday January 28th, 2023 at 1:30pm for a Special Town Meeting. Justin moved that the Board call a Special Town Meeting for January 21st at 1:30pm to cover the fuel overage and any other foreseen problems or budgetary issues. The Warrant will be prepared and signed in the coming weeks.
Susan seconded.
Susan- yes, Scott- yes, Justin- yes.
- Discuss structure of Building Department
Justin confirmed with Town Counsel, Donna, that the Select Board or its designee can oversee the inspector of wires. Donna provided a draft of the motion to delegate oversight authority. Scott agreed to make contact with the Building Commissioner, the Plumbing/Gas Inspector, and the Inspector of Wires, and report back to the Select Board at a future meeting.
- Review draft Police Chief contract
Town Counsel, Donna, edited and made several additions to the Police Chief contract. Susan said they want to accurately reflect proper functioning of the Police Department. The Select Board reviewed Donna’s comments and additions to the contract. The Select Board will come back to this contract next week.
New Business
- Review draft Capital Planning Policy and Procedures
The Select Board reviewed the Finance Committee’s draft Capital Planning Policy. Justin also put forward a substantially shorter version which he feels incorporates all of the essential aspects of the Finance Committee’s draft. The Select Board will continue to review the drafts of the Capital Plan. Susan is going to review both versions of the Capital Plan Policy and Procedures and will report back next week.
- Draft memo to Lake Garfield Working Group re: annual milfoil mitigation budget
The Select Board reviewed the draft memo to the Lake Garfield Working Group. Justin moved to approve the memo to the Lake Garfield Working group for the 2024 fiscal year. Justin called a vote:
Susan- yes, Justin- yes, Scott abstained as he was not present to review the document closely.
- Town Administrator items
No town administrator items.
Correspondence, minutes, public comment
- Review mail & correspondence
No mail or correspondence to review.
- Approve minutes of 12/6/22, 12/7/22
The Select Board reviewed the minutes from 12/6/22. Justin moved to approve minutes from 12/6/22 as amended, Susan seconded; Justin called a vote: Susan- yes, Justin- yes; Scott abstained.
The Select Board reviewed the minutes from 12/7/22. Justin moved to approve minutes from 12/7/22 as amended, Susan seconded; Justin called a vote: Susan- yes, Justin- yes; Scott abstained.
- Unanticipated business
There is a possibility that the Parks Commission may be looking for an additional $500 to help with insurance for the hockey event at Lake Buel.
The Hume v. Monterey case was moved to the Massachusetts Supreme Court.Donna will come in next week to meet with the Select Board and explain the situation.
Scott made a motion to not meet on 12/28/22.Justin seconded the motion.Justin called a vote: Susan- yes, Justin- yes, Scott- yes.
- Comments & questions from the public
No comments or questions from the public.
Motion to adjourn. Susan seconded. Justin called a vote: Susan- yes, Scott- yes, Justin- yes.
Meeting adjourned at 7:47pm
Documents used at the meeting
- Letter from Mickey Jervas re:ARPA funds
- Advice from Town Counsel about Building Department oversight authority
- Draft Police Chief Contract with Town Counsel’s comments
- Signed memo to Lake Garfield Working Group
- Draft Capital Planning Policy and Procedures drafts