Select Board Meeting Minutes 2/28/23
Joint meeting of the Select Board and Finance Committee
Select Board members present: Susan Cooper, Justin Makuc
Select Board absent: Scott Jenssen
Finance Committee members present: Frank Abbott, Michele Miller
Finance Committee members present remotely: Ilene Marcus
Other individuals present: Melissa Noe, Laurie McArthur (SB Secretary), Tom Mensi, Christopher Andrews, Gerard Clarin
Other individuals present remotely: Kenn Basler
Minutes of the meeting 2/28/23
Meeting Date: Tuesday February 28, 2023
Meeting Opened at 4:03 pm
AGENDA:
PARKS COMMISSION
Michele reported that the Finance Committee felt there were some missed opportunities in the ARPA application process for the playground and the pavilion projects. Michele questioned whether there was adequate planning suggesting that in light of the size of the project, $100,000, it might be sensible to solicit input on this project from the voters at Town for the playground renovation. Tom said that he appeared before the Select Board to discuss the deteriorating status of the playground and reported that after having read the requirements for the ARPA funds he believed that a playground would fit into this category. Michele asked if there was a way to remove an item from the playground plan in order to decrease the cost of the entire project. The Finance Committee and the Parks Commission discussed how maintenance costs would differ based on installing a new playground vs keeping the current playground. Susan explained that while she understood that the Parks Commission had gotten a good response to their survey about the wish list for playground equipment, she also thinks that if people had a clear idea of the cost of the equipment they might well revise their priorities, and the Finance Committee discussed maximizing the best use of the ARPA funds to try and include the ball field. Ilene discussed the impact on the town to include increased insurance funds, and asked if there was a way to complete the project so that Parks would not have to go to a Town Meeting to request additional funds. Tom reported that the Parks Commission provided an estimate for maintenance.
Justin noted the various line items in the FY24 Parks Commission budget. Tom reported that the Parks Commission lacks control over the cost of the lifeguards. Melissa said that there is no liability to the town if no lifeguard is posted; however, the Parks Commission identified that the lifeguards would help promote safety and be a service to the town. The Town Administrator, Finance Committee, Select Board, and Parks Commission discussed options pertaining to having one or two lifeguards vs no life guards. The Finance Committee, Parks Commission, and the Select Board agreed that it would be important to keep the lifeguards.
The Parks Commission discussed the role of the proposed beach monitor, which included patrolling the beach, cleaning up, maintaining order with inflatable toys, and monitoring the parking situation. The beach monitor would be utilized on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday each week. The Parks Commission discussed the need for access to the boat ramp, limiting parking access to Monterey Residents, and concerns with parking in previous years. Susan asked how the beach monitor would be able to cope with the parking lot. The Parks Commission, Finance Committee, Select Board and Town Administrator discussed solutions to help with identifying Town Residents parking at the beach. Melissa asked if Parks had considered sending a letter to hotels to let them know that the beach is only for residents. The Parks Commission consulted with Town Counsel and reported they were informed that if the boat ramp is not restricted, then we can limit parking access to Town residents. The Parks Commission said that the Police Department would be able to enforce parking. Melissa recommended adding signage to inform individuals that the beach is only for resident use.
Gerry provided an update regarding the baseball field and reported that they have to go to the Conservation Commission for approval due to some soil being removed. The Parks Commission has the application completed; however, they reported that they are experiencing difficulty trying to find providers who will to give them with detailed bids. Gerry reported that he has reached out to someone at Foresight Land Services to help them write the proposal for a bid for the ballfield repair. He also notes that the material being taken away will be able to be utilized in another area of the town for fill. Melissa presented the budget request items for the Parks Commission. Gerry said that they ordered sand for the beach, and reported that price has increased. Justin asked when they will be able to put out for bid for the ball field. Gerry said that he will find out as soon as they are provided with the information about the spec from Mark at Foresight and would then send out for three quotes.
Justin invited the Parks Commission to the Select Board meeting next week to discuss the Playground quotes. Susan clarified that the quotes are for the current playground scheme and suggested that perhaps one quote could include some minimization on one or more pieces of equipment, given that the Select Board made clear when the ARPA proposal was approved that there are insufficient funds to completely fund both the playground and the pavilion as currently presented.
Ilene asked Frank if he would like to schedule a meeting with the Parks Commission to continue to work on the capital worksheets. Tom asked Frank to compare the two playground bids that the Parks Commission have.
CONTINUE BUILDING BUDGET AND CAPITAL PLAN
The Select Board and Finance Committee discussed areas of the budget still requiring discussion. The Select Board and the Finance Committee continued to discuss the new Police Cruiser. Justin shared his conversation with Brian about the Police Cruiser, reporting that Brian said it was going to be inevitable for the Department, but may not be necessary this year. Justin said that if they are going to utilize three Police Cruisers, then now may be the time to take care of that. Justin reviewed the mileage and engine hours and the average mileage per year.
Justin recommended applying free cash to all of the special articles, and Susan agreed with that recommendation.
The Select Board and Finance Committee discussed the current health insurance plans listed on the budget. Melissa suggested either modifying the health insurance plan to a single or couples plan, or to remove it from the budget all together. The Select Board and Finance Committee identified several other categories that will require additional conversation to include: Highway Operations and capital, the Cemetery, Library wages, the Fire Company, and Capital improvements.
The Select Board adjourned at 5:16pm due to a lack of quorum.
Documents used at the meeting:
- none