2 – 23 – 09
At the meeting of the Randolph Board of Selectmen held Monday, February 23, 2009, the following were present: Chairman Paul Connors, Vice Chairman James Burgess, William Alexopoulos, Maureen Kenney, Paul Fernandes, Executive Secretary David Murphy and Recording Secretary Cheryl Sass. Meeting opened by Mr. Connors at 7: pm.
Mr. Burgess said the prayer and Mr. Fernandes led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Mr. Burgess made a motion to accept the minutes of January 12, 2009. Seconded by Ms. Kenney. Voted 5-0.
Correspondence
- Letter from FEMA Updating Flood Insurance Maps and Digitizing. Mr. Burgess made a motion to designate David Murphy as the contact person. Seconded by Ms. Kenney. Voted 5-0.
- Letter from Brian Howard re: Polling Location Changes.
- Letter from Board of Registrars re: Polling Location Changes. The Board of Registrars is in favor of keeping the polling locations at the schools. The letter is signed by Lallie Falls, Vice Chair. Mr. Fernandes requested that the polling locations be changed in accordance with the plans outlined in the letter from Brian Howard, but he has issues with the financial piece of the recommendation. Ms. Kenney is opposed to changing the polling sites for election days. She believes that election days should be treated like a snow days and that the School Committee has can set the calendar so that school is not in session on election days. Mr. Fernandes stated that the schools are not forcing anyone to leave the schools – they asked the Board of Selectmen to help them in light of the accident. He is in support of the School’s request. Mr. Burgess thinks traffic patterns need to be further investigated. He does not have a problem with voting in schools, however, he believes that
the Tower Hill is not good location for many reasons. Mr. Alexopoulos agrees that looking at the traffic patterns before moving locations is a good idea. Mr. Connors believes traffic and safety are always concerns of the town but that a change at this time would not be beneficial. The churches are on main roads, which could cause traffic problems. Mr. Connors asked for more due diligence on behalf of the Town Clerk and Safety Officer. Mr. Fernandes made a motion to move the polling locations, seconded by Ms. Kenney. Voted 1-3-1 (Mr. Connors, Mr. Alexopoulos and Ms. Kenney voting against, and Mr. Burgess voting Present). Mr. Burgess made a motion to have Mr. Murphy set up a meeting with the Board of Selectmen, Town Clerk, Board of Registrars, School Committee, Safety Officer Seconded by Mr. Fernandes. Voted 4-1 (Kenney).
- Letter from Showcase Cinemas requesting a midnight showing of The Watchman on March 5th. Motion to allow request made by Mr. Burgess seconded by Mr. Alexopoulos. Voted 5-0.
- Letter from Tetra Tech Rizzo. Mr. Burgess made a motion to allow Mr. Murphy to be the contact person with regard to Tetra Tech Rizzo. Seconded by Mr. Alexopoulos. Voted 5-0
- Letter from Attorney Robert Jubinville enclosing Memorandum of Understanding signed by JD’s Pub. Mr. Connors does not believe it is strong enough and that it should have been drafted with the police chief. Mr. Connors asked Mr. Murphy to submit the Memorandum back to Mr. Jubinville and to work with Mr. Jubinville and the Chief of Police to redraft the memorandum.
- Letter from the Police Department requesting a License Violation Hearing for the Vault Room. Mr. Connors suggested setting the date for March 9 and sending out a certified notice on February 24th. Mr. Burgess made a motion for a hearing on March 9th, Seconded by ms. Kenney, Voted 5-0.
- Letter from Mass State Lottery Commissioner re: Keno to Go at Tedeschi on North Street. Mr. Burgess made a motion to object to the request. Seconded by Mr. Fernandes. Voted 5-0.
- Letter from Board of Recreation re: Randolph Theatre Company at Stetson Hall. Mr. Burgess made a Motion to allow banner in Crawford Square erected in the Park, Seconded by Mr. Fernandes. Voted 5-0.
- Randolph Citizens Police Academy requesting yard sale at the Pool Side of High School. Mr. Burgess made a Motion to approve. Seconded by Ms. Kenney. Voted 5-0.
- Constable request for Claude Harry on Harris Street. Tabled until next meeting since necessary documentation was not provided. .
- Letter from Randolph/Avon Rotary Club for one day entertainment license for a fundraiser on April 1, 2009 at the Breakfast Connection, owned by Susan McGrory. Motion to allow request made by Mr. Burgess, seconded by Mr. Alexopoulos. Voted 5-0.
Public Comments
Mr. Kaplan provided the board with copies of a sworn statement listing his medical conditions and asked that the Board look into the noise in his apartment.
Ms. Gangel wanted to suggest that a web site be created for the Randolph Youth Task Force for the kids to access. She also requested amplification equipment in the room, as it is against the open meeting law to not make those wishing to attend unable to hear what is said during the meetings.
Hearing – Marie & Fuollone Polynice d/b/a Chez Colie – Request for a Common
Victualler License at 232 South Main Street (Formerly Main Street Café/The Olde Diner)
Mr. Connors read the legal notice. Application to operate a diner d/b/a Chez Colie. Marie Polynice has lived in the town for 20 years. She operated Main Street Café for 8 months before purchasing it. Her plan is to sell international food and to specialize in Caribbean fare. She will serve Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. Fuollone Polynice was out of town, and Stephanie Polynice was present on her behalf.
Hours of operation would be from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday – Sunday, and closed Mondays (same as current license). Marie worked in the kitchen 8 months prior to owning the Café and had her own restaurant in Mattapan for 2 years before that. She does not think any of her neighbors will object. The restaurant seats 25 people. Marie Polynice will be the will be the manager and her daughter, Fuollone Polynice is the owner. The application is under both names, and the lease is signed by Fuollone Polynice, so it is the Board’s request that she be present for the hearing. The board decided to continue the hearing without action until the next meeting. Mr. Connors asked, three times if anyone was present to speak in favor of the application. There was no response. Mr. Connors asked if anyone was present to speak against the application. Mrs. Simmons, 225 South Main Street stated that she has difficulty getting out of her driveway now. In the past year or two it has been quiet,
but she is concerned with the parking. Mr. Connors asked 2 more times if anyone was present in opposition. There was no response. Letters from Board of Health, Police Department, Building Department and Fire Prevention Officer stating that there was no oppositions to request for Common Victualler’s License. Mr. Burgess made a Motion to continue the hearing until March 9th at 7:40, since the application was a joint application, and both parties must be present. Seconded by Mr. Alexopoulos. Voted 5-0.
Update – Youth Task Force
Greg Wilmot, Ron Jackson, Suzanne Williams, and Jean Brewster were present to provide an update from the Youth Summit. The Summit was held on December 4, 2008. There were 75 attendees present and they discussed their thoughts and feelings on youth activities in the town. Marcell Bittle stated that he attended the summit and got the impression that the kids want something more from the town. He believes it is up to the town to put their ideas in effect. Mr. Wilmot believes that having similar forums going forward would be beneficial and that a youth council would be helpful going forward and suggested that a permanent committee should be appointed. Mr. Fernandes stated that the committee should have a defined responsibility. Ms. Kenney asked if the committee should be part of the
Board of Recreation. Mr. Burgess believes they can coordinate with the Board of Recreation to see what the needs of the youth are.
Mr. Jackson believes that the fact that he is on the Board of Recreation will allow him to negotiate between the Youth Task Force Committee and the Board of Recreation.
Board requested Mr. Murphy to send a letter of thanks to Youth Task Force and ask each member if they wish to continue. Those interested can be appointed at the next meeting. Once the committee is appointed, they should be added to the Board of Selectmen’s agenda at least quarterly for the next calendar year.
Bud Deyo was at the summit and provided insight and collaboration with the Board of Recreation and the Youth Task Force. Mr. Burgess suggested removing the word “youth” from the third bullet point on page 16.
Ms. Kenney asked if other communities were consulted with regard to regionalizing youth sports leagues. The Task Force focused their concentration on Randolph only.
A Resource guide was presented as an inventory of programs. It was discussed if the guide would be handed out at schools or if a website would be created. A Youth center was mentioned, and the Task Force members believe it can be run strictly by volunteers. Mr. Fernandes asked if the Task Force spoke with Dr. Silverman. They did and felt that the RCMS was designed to operate as a community center.
Mr. Burgess stated that the middle school was built and designed to shut off sections and could be used as a community center. There is another decision to be made with regard to the current youth center.
Mr. Wilmot looks forward to being part of permanent committee.
Mr. Fernandes attended the Youth Summit and was enlightened to hear the students talk about what is going on in Randolph and he believes keeping the youth actively engaged is important.
Hearing – Showcase Cinema – Request for Change of Manager at 73 Mazzeo Drive
Mr. Connors read the legal notice. Attorney Kevin Reilly was present on behalf of National Amusements. The existing Manager was promoted to another position within the company. Chris Johnson has been with National Amusements for the last 12 years and is currently food manager at the Showcase Cinema in Millbury. The change in manager is supported by National Amusements Regional Management. Chris is familiar with understands the liquor policy of the town.
Judy Gangel rose to speak in favor of the change of manager. They are good neighbors and have brought an enormous amount of business to the town.
Mr. Connors asked, 3 times if anyone else was present to speak in favor of or in opposition to the request. There was no response.
Letters from the Police Department, Board of Health, Building Inspector, Fire Prevention Officer stated that there was no opposition. Mr. Burgess made a motion to accept the request, seconded by Mr. Alexopoulos. Voted 5-0.
Budget Discussion
Mr. Murphy suggested consolidating the two custodian positions at the Library and Town Hall/Police Station, saving roughly $50,000. The duties at both buildings can be handles by one body with the possibility of a modicum of overtime. Mr. Murphy believes there will be some growing pains but the savings will be worth it for the remainder of FY 09 and going forward to FY10.
Mr. Murphy approximates that the custodian spends roughly 4 hours a day between the Town Hall and Police Station. The Town Budget is $30,000 and the Police Budget is $30,000, which includes supplies. The current custodian also shovels the Town Hall walk ways. The position at the Library is currently open, funded at $40,000, with a small allotment for overtime costs. The police chief and Mr. Michaud are in agreement with the consolidation. Mr. Michaud relayed the Trustees’ support, but Mr. Murphy has not discussed it directly with the Trustees. The equipment is owned by the private contractor, so there will be some costs at the beginning. Ms. Kenney suggested that the school department might have the equipment necessary for the occasional cleaning. Mr Alexopoulos
made a Motion to consolidate the positions, and asked that Mr. Murphy report back to the Board before the end of fiscal year 2009 as to how the plan is working. Mr. Murphy asks that the hiring freeze be lifted with the approval of the Library Trustees, and the position will be advertised and offered to SEIU and Town employees first. Seconded by Mr. Burgess. Voted 5-0.
Mr. Murphy does not have the information with regard to the permits for the Wiring Inspector. He hopes to have the information available to make a decision for the 2010 budget. He believes he can manage the budget from here until June to deliver a balanced budget for 2009. Another option is to lay off another employee as opposed to cutting the wiring inspector’s hours to part time, however, the spending and hiring freeze have put the town in a good fiscal position for a balanced budget.
2010 Budget.
State Aid is projected at going down $1.6 Million Dollars. Minimizing the impact of services is the goal. The budget is over $294,000 in the deficit. The Goal is to reduce the budget with the hope of creating additional money so that the schools are not level-funded and the Turnaround Plan can continue to be implemented.
Mr. Murphy made the following recommendations for the 2010 Budget:
Conservation Commission requested level funding at $500.00. Motion to accept made by Mr. Fernandes, seconded by Mr. Alexopoulos. Voted 5-0.
Historical - Level Funding. Motion to accept made by Mr. Fernandes, seconded by Mr. Alexopoulos. Voted 5-0.
Design Review $1,600. . Motion to accept made by Mr. Alexopoulos, seconded by Mr. Fernandes. Voted 5-0.
Emergency Management $900 - HOLD.
Handicap Commission $400. Motion to accept made by Mr. Alexopoulos, seconded by Mr. Fernandes. Voted 5-0.
Business & Industrial Commission. Motion to accept made by Mr. Alexopoulos, seconded by Mr. Fernandes. Voted 5-0.
Finance Committee $2,750. Motion to accept made by Mr. Alexopoulos, seconded by Mr. Fernandes. Voted 5-0.
Milk Inspector $200. Motion to accept made by Mr. Alexopoulos, seconded by Mr. Fernandes. Voted 5-0.
Planning Board $3,618. Motion to accept made by Mr. Fernandes, seconded by Mr. Alexopoulos. Voted 5-0.
Selectmen’s Office includes an Increase in Postage and a request for additional hours for staff assisting both the Selectmen’s Office and the Accountant’s Office. Motion to accept amount with increase to Salary and Expenses made by Mr. Alexopoulos, seconded by Mr. Fernandes. Voted 5-0.
Accountant: HOLD
Unclassified Budget: HOLD
Debt and Interest – Mr. Burgess requested a breakdown and payout schedule.
Liaisons:
Ms. Kenney encouraged the public to come to the hearing of the Vault Room and asked that any concerns be emailed to either Mr. Murphy or Chief Porter.
Mr. Alexopoulos made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Mr. Fernandes. Voted 5-0.
Clerk of the Board
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