Board of Selectmen
Meeting Minutes
April 7, 2008
Present: Selectmen; Bill Martell, Ed Martin and Rich Hall, Administrative Assistant Kim Leahey, Fred Vanderbeck, Dave Goldin Moderator Joan Temkin, John Trickey, Fire Chief Ray Murphy, Sharon Downs and Jim Duda (late), and Gazette reporter Mary Carey.
Meeting called to order by Chairperson Richard Hall at 6:01 p.m.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES from March 24, 2008; Bill Martell made a motion to approve the minutes, Ed Martin seconded; motion passed unanimously.
LIAISON REPORTS
SCHOOLS – Ed Martin reported that, at the most recent School Committee meeting the school budget for FY 09 was reviewed; Warrant Articles to be presented at upcoming Town Meetings were also reviewed.
LIBRARY- No report – no recent Trustees meeting held.
POLICE – No report.
FIRE DEPT – No report.
HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT – Rich Hall reported that the department is “running smoothly” according to Superintendent Rick Adamcek.
TOWN OFFICES – No issues, running smoothly.
.WARRANT ARTICLES
Warrant articles for the upcoming May 3rd Town Meeting were reviewed and minor changes made. An in-depth conversation was had with Town Moderator Joan Temkin in preparation for discussion at the meeting. The Board instructed AA Leahey to incorporate the edits and send the completed draft to Town Counsel for review
In reference to the proposed Article for an override which would provide for the creation of a Stabilization Fund expressly for Capital Equipment and Expenditures, Finance Committee Chairman John Trickey shared that two million dollars in needed capital expenditures have been identified. It was also noted that if the Article passes, the $200,000 per year increase in tax revenue would represent an added $1.20/$1000 valuation for residents. Trickey also noted that the creation and continuation of the fund would reflect positively on the Town’s bond rating.
LIQUOR LICENSE REQUEST
Pelham Resident Jim Duda requested a one-day liquor license for Saturday, May 3rd. On that day, he is hosting a fundraiser for Engineers Without Borders which will benefit their “Amazon Project”. The Board is familiar with Mr. Duda’s past fundraisers and therefore were happy to grant his request. Ed Martin made a motion to grant a one-day liquor license to Mr. Duda, Martell seconded, motion passed.
DATES SET
Monday, April 28th was set as the date for a town-wide meeting for the purpose of presenting for discussion, and explanation the Warrant Articles to be voted upon at the May Town Meeting. The meeting will be held on April 28 at the Elementary School @ 7 pm. The Selectmen will chair the meeting.
It was decided that the override vote would be scheduled for the June 19th Town Meeting which has been scheduled for the purpose of approval of Article 4 (the budget). Ed Martin made a motion that the override vote should be done at the same time, Martell seconded, the motion passed unanimously.
Ed Martin made a motion that the times for the May 3rd Elections be from 8 am to 2 pm. Bill Martell seconded, motion passed unanimously.
OLD BUSINESS
Personnel Board member Sharon Downs asked for clarification regarding the Selectmen’s ‘endorsement’ of the Personnel Board’s recommendations for on-call Firefighters’ compensation. Although the Selectmen agreed to pay a minimum wage, they continue to choose to pay through a stipend which represents an agreed upon number of hours (300). The Personnel Board’s concern, reports Downs, is that Town Counsel has cautioned that if a firefighter works more than the agreed upon number of hours and, therefore, earns less than minimum wage, the Town could be liable. The Personnel Board feels strongly that a minimum wage basis is prudent in order to protect the Town and the Selectboard.
Chief Murphy expressed extreme displeasure over the fact that he was not consulted during any of the Personnel Board’s discussions regarding Firefighters’ pay. Ms. Downs insisted that the Board had relied on the Selectboard’s liaison for information. Murphy informed the meeting that, while Selectmen determine his salary, he, as the Fire Chief, has the “full and absolute authority” over the department, including determination of the rate of pay, providing he seeks approval from the Selectboard.
Several people present expressed that the Town cannot afford to pay minimum wage and, a stipend, therefore makes more sense. Ms. Downs repeated the advice of Town Counsel and, before leaving the meeting, asked the Board to please reconsider their decision.
NEW BUSINESS
Selectmen received a letter from Tony Maroulis expressing his interest in being appointed to the Pelham Cultural Council. Ed Martin made a motion to appoint Mr. Maroulis to the Cultural Council and Bill Martell seconded; motion passed.
Bill Martell made a motion to appoint David Goldin to the position of Assessor (due to the resignation of David Burgess) until the results of the May 3rd election. Ed Martin seconded; motion passed.
Ed Martin made a motion to adjourn, Bill Martell seconded; meeting was adjourned 7:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted
Kim Leahey