January 18, 2005
Meeting called to order at 7:03 PM.
Present were Raymond W. Platt, Donald L. McKinnon and John Donahue
Minutes of the previous meeting were accepted as written.
Mr. Platt explained that the Board is just returning from an Executive Session on a Police grievance.
Mr. Platt reviewed the articles for the upcoming Special Town Meeting. Mr. Donahue, who will be away next week, did not have a problem with the articles submitted.
Mr. McKinnon moved and Mr. Donahue seconded to forward letters to Senator Pacheco and Representative Flynn in support of tax relief for seniors and that they endorse assistance conceptually. Mr. Platt made it unanimous. The Board supported proactive measures to give seniors tax relief.
Mr. McKinnon said that in the 1970’s, the State passed legislation to bail out the MBTA. They got the vote by subsidizing bus routes to Boston from suburbia. They also offered subsidies to local transportation agencies. Now the MBTA is trying to take over those local transit authorities. Mr. McKinnon moved and Mr. Donahue seconded to support the local transit authorities. Mr. Platt made it unanimous.
Mr. Donahue spoke about the meeting with the R.Q.E Committee. He said that Supt. McIntyre had explained the budget process and that he will make a concerted effort to get the budget out much earlier. On another matter, he read a letter from Stephen Smith, Race Director for the Frostbite road race thanking all those who helped out in so many different ways to make the race successful.
Mr. Platt reported that he attended the Fair Housing Committee Meeting in Taunton. The Board agreed to send letters of congratulation to James Concannon and Corey Mair at the Middle School for posters they had submitted.
The Board discussed a Police report regarding an incident at Centerfields. The Board agreed to schedule a Public Hearing on a liquor law violation at 7:15PM on February 1, 2005. .
An application was received from Theresa and John Miller for a Fortune Teller’s License at 760 Broadway. A hearing will be held on February 1 at 7:05 PM.
In response to a request from Mr. Stolte, Highway Supt., Mr. McKinnon moved and Mr. Donahue seconded to allow the Highway Department to exceed their budget for snow and ice removal. The Finance Committee had also approved the request.
The Board agreed to schedule a hearing on a grievance from OPEIU for February 8, 2005 at 6:00 PM and to contact Attorney Emerson to see if the grievance can be resolved.
The Board received notice that the bill granting the Town reimbursement of $542,961 in erroneously diverted Room Excise Taxes had been signed by the Governor.
Respectfully submitted
Randall A. Buckner
Town Administrator
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