Town of Randolph, MA - Board of Selectmen Minutes 02/25/2008

At the meeting of the Randolph Board of Selectmen held Monday, February 25, 2008, the following were present: Chairman Paul Connors, Vice Chairman Richard Wells, William Alexopoulos, James Burgess, Maureen Kenney, Brian P. Howard and Kristin McDonald. Meeting opened by Mr. Connors at 7:00 pm.

Gerald Kaplan spoke of his continuing problems with noise at his apartment, money missing from his bank account and not being able to attend his doctor visits.

Kathleen Haire- Support a Future of Randolph, Chair talked of a fundraiser tomorrow from 6-9 pm, at the AMVETS post, comedian Jimmy Tingle will be featured. Tickets are $25. www.randolphfuture.com.

Larry Azer- handed out buttons to the Board supporting the override. Mr. Howard will be checking into the legality of the Board wearing the buttons during the Selectmen's meetings.

Mr. Connors spoke to the public of supporting the override. He suggested they look at it as an investment in your property values; they will see the money in the future, they will get the money back.

Judith Gangel- Spoke of the amount of money the override would be affecting residents' bills. She asked people to remember that the figures are only an average; she urged people to find out what their house is assessed for. Also asked for update on the sprinkler system at the Randolph Country Club. Mr. Connors indicated that it is a dry system right now, can't access water line until the spring when the DPW can open the road again.

Hearing for Joseph Vernet- 32 Maitland Ave. - Joseph Vernet present. Mr. Connors read the legal notice into the record. Mr. Connors explained that the Applicant has to obtain written approval from the Police, Fire and Building Commissioner. He indicated that he did not get the things on the check off list. Mr. Wells moved to continue the hearing until March 24th, second by Mr. Burgess; voted 5-0.

Hearing for Ocean City- continued from Jan. 15th- Ki P. Chin and Attorney Peter Lim. Mr. Chin has been TIP certified along with another member of the staff, to ensure that someone would always be there. He also has completed the work on the Sprinkler system. Applicant submitted letters of proof for both. Mr. Connors read a copy of a letter sent to the Board from Captain Hurley of the Fire Department. Mr. Burgess asked how many employees will be working. There are 7 employees and 2 in the bar area; the 2 people in the bar area are TIP certified. Mr. Wells asked about the hours of operation and days they will be open; the days and hours will be remaining the same.

Mrs. Gangel asked what the latest date of a health inspection is. Mr. Connors indicated that the Board of Health indicated they hold a valid food service license.

Letter received from Paul Hart of The Lantana regarding a consulting firm, they have hired Coler and Colantonio (C&C), Inc. to prepare the DEIR report and to coordinate with the selected traffic consultant on the alternatives analysis. Proposal will be submitted to the BOS and the review agent. Paul Hart present tonight. The Town needs to select a firm to do a traffic study; The Lantana has submitted 3 names (Abend Associates, Earth Tech and Vanasse and Associates) and has asked that the Board choose one. Mr. Burgess moved to contract with Abend Associates, second by Mr. Wells; voted 5-0.

Letter received from the Office of Public Safety and Security and the Department of Fire Services regarding upcoming training opportunities. The information will be passed along to the appropriate departments. Mr. Connors interested in going.

Letter received from Director of Elder Affairs, Rena Baker informing the Board that the Dept. of Elder affairs is having the inside of the senior center repainted. The Norfolk County Sheriff's Office ill be doing the physical work and the Friends of the Randolph Senior Center are providing $500 for the paint and supplies.

Letter received from Comcast indicating programming changes, no longer canceling two channels, some moves within HD programming. Free showing of Showtime, and HBO, can block through parental control if customers wish. Mr. Wells upset that people are paying more and getting less. Ms. Kenney told people to call Comcast with coupon for Direct TV, call the retention department and try to get their bill lowered.

Letter received from Dept. Environmental Protection indicating that Randolph has been awarded a municipal sustainability grant. The Town will be receiving brochures and door hangers for pay as you throw totaling $53,428. Mr. Connors moved not to accept the grant at this time since the Town does not have a pay as you throw program, second by Mr. Wells; voted 5-0.

Letter received from the Dept. of Housing and Community Development stating they have changed Chapter 40B Regulations, they can be found under 760 CMR 56.00, et seq., "Comprehensive Permit; Low or Moderate Income Housing."

Letter received from the ZBA indicating the Mass. Housing Partnership has approved their application for funding under the Chapter 40B Technical Assistance Funds to pay for consulting assistance with the Van Beal project. Mr. Daly will also be paying for some consulting services. Mr. Alexopoulos motioned to accept the grant funding, second by Mr. Wells; voted 5-0.

Letter received from Congressmen Lynch regarding FY09 budget; projects need to be identified at this time. Request forms need to be submitted to his office by March 3rd. Some requests do require a match by the community. Mr. Connors asked Mr. Howard to contact Congressmen Lynch's office to see Mr. Gordon can come out to meet with the Town in person to review different needs and see what projects are the Town's best shot to get funding.

Request received for two one day beer and wine licenses for Showcase Cinema during the Boston Celtics games on Wed. March 5th and March 26th with the usual stipulations in place. Mr. Alexopoulos motioned to accept the request, second by Mr. Wells; voted 5-0.

Mr. Connors indicated they are in receipt of 12 applicants for the Board of Recreation Director position, will be narrowed down to 5. Applicants will be interviewed on March 3rd at 6pm.

School Committee- Dr. Richard Silverman, Mr. Stephen Moore, Mrs. Marybeth Nearen and Mr. Azer present for a presentation of the budget override. Mr. Azer read opening statement of what the state of the Schools is right now and what will happen if no override. Urged residents to pass the override in order to begin the road to recovery. Dr. Silverman presented what the School Department is asking for and what the money will go to. They want to continue to move the public schools back to where everyone wants them to be.

Mr. Azer spoke of the Committees' meeting last week where they unanimously voted last week that if the override fails, the list presented will be the cuts that will take place.

Mr. Wells wanted to repeat that the State is not going to bring a "bag of money" they will come in and take over the cherry sheets, BU bailed out Chelsea not the State. This slide has been going on for years; going back to the 1980's, the town has not made it's obligations to Public Service and the Schools. Everyone has supervisors, no matter what job. Teachers need them too.

Mr. Alexopoulos spoke of residents talking to him about the override. He equated the override to a loan that you would take to make upgrades or improvements to your house. This is what the override is for the Schools. The override will help generate and retain business. He urged people to vote in favor of the overrides.

Mr. Burgess thanks the School group for a well thought out and presented presentation, and he also urged people to vote in favor of the overrides. Ms. Kenney agreed with Mr. Wells.

Mr. Connors spoke of supporting the override as well. He hopes the "YES" committee generates enough funding to get info out to the public. He knows they have started, but they need money to continue. The Board will bring them back to do a further summary if needed. Mrs. Nearen asked the Board to go out into the community and urge their constituents to vote in favor.

Mr. Howard indicated that tonight's presentation will have a link from the Town's Website. Dr. Silverman offered to go into the community to speak about the override and the budget.

Mr. Howard and Mr. Wells indicated they are continuing the RFP's for the Ice Arena and a new Zamboni; maybe for the next meeting. An article was given to all members for review.

Mr. Connors motion for Mr. Alexopoulos to go to the Finance Committee asking for signatures on transfers by Selectmen and the Town Accountant. He wants received input back from the FinCom on this issue. There are forms that need to be signed by the Selectmen that are not being signed. Second was made by Mr. Wells and the Board voted 5-0. Mr. Connors also asked Mr. Alexopoulos to stress to the Finance Committee that they look at the budgets and make recommendations based on conservative numbers; they can address all recommendations later once all the numbers are in closer to Town Meeting. Mr. Alexopoulos indicated the FinCom is divided on how to proceed. Mr. Connors encouraged them to step back and see what happens with the override, the state budget, etc…

Mr. Wells moved to adjourn at 8:42 pm, roll call vote of 5-0 yeas, Board will go into a brief Executive Session and will not come back into public session.