The Regular Town Council meeting was called to order at 7:30 P.M. following the Public Hearing by Chair Cynthia L. Gibbons. Members present: Robert Doyon, Delores Franks, Patricia Geary, Cynthia Gibbons, Theresa Graveline, Gary V. Hodge and Edward Miller. Absent: Frank Bainer and Shirley Sabo.
MAYOR'S REPORT: Council Budget for fiscal year 2001-2002 needs to be approved; Suggested Council meet on Saturday, March 10, 2001 @ 9 A.M. at the Senior Center for presentation of budget, Commission on Aging budget presentation and scheduling of meeting dates for Budget Workshops; MOTION made by Patricia Geary, seconded by Gary V. Hodge to Schedule Budget Workshop for March 10, 2001 @ 9 A.M. at the Senior Center. Unanimous
TRANSFER Request from Fund Balance to Town Clerk Salary Account #5500-00 of $8,700. To set the salary of the Town Clerk in the amount of $34,600. Until January 1, 2002. MOTION made by Delores Franks, seconded by Robert Doyon - Patricia Geary pointed out that necessary to make two separate motions. Original motions withdrawn.
MOTION made by Patricia Geary, seconded by Delores Franks to set the Town Clerk's salary in the amount of $34,600 until January 1, 2002. Edward Miller questioned if salary was in line with other Town Clerks, recent survey in CCM newsletter. Patricia Geary felt it was appropriate and a great improvement over salary and fees. MOTION Unanimous
MOTION made by Theresa Graveline, seconded by Delores Franks to approve transfer request from the Fund Balance to the Town Clerk Salary Account #5500-00 of $8,700. MOTION Unanimous
TRANSFER Request from Fund Balance to Ice & Snow & Town Trucks total of $69,500. Mayor reviewed, transfer hopefully will cover until spring if there are no major storms. Edward Miller questioned Labor $49,5000. MAYOR CHATFIELD STATED FOR public Works employees, drivers, loaders and relief driver. MOTION WAS MADE BY GARY V. HODGE, SECONDED BY PATRICIA GEARY TO APPROVE TRANSFER REQUEST. MOTION Unanimous
MOTION made by Theresa Graveline, seconded by Gary V. Hodge to approve ordinance #66-02-06-01 with amendments. Theresa Graveline pointed out that the Council worked very hard to allow ordinance to serve what was intended, never a point in time that the Council was opposed, the amendments are what took the most time. Delores Franks pointed out that the Volunteer Fire Fighters and EMT's are very much appreciated. MOTION Unanimous
CHAIR REPORT: Assessor being invited to next Council meeting; 1st meeting in March, Peter Hughes from the Economic Development Commission. Patricia Geary questioned if contract was signed on the feasibility study. Theresa Graveline requested that Council be made aware when the Mayor is finished with his report so that they may ask additional questions. Mayor Chatfield - Feasibility study contract has been signed; Assessor to update Council on reval on at the February 20th meeting; Peter Hughes to attend the March 6th meeting; Status on ice skating - probably won't be in until next year, presently on a trailer at the town garage.
MOTION made by Gary V. Hodge, seconded by Robert Doyon to approve 2001-2002 Council Budget $8600. - Discussion on Seminars/Conf. $500. Cindy suggested members attend Budget Seminar if available, very informative. Theresa Graveline questioned expenditures to date. MOTION to approve Council budget Unanimous.
MOTION made by Theresa Graveline, seconded by Gary V. Hodge to get breakdown of expenditures in Town Council budget and Charter Revision breakdown. MOTION Unanimous
MOTION made by Patricia Geary, seconded by Delores Franks to approve January 16, 2001 minutes. Gary V. Hodge and Theresa Graveline abstained. MOTION carried.
Original motion made by Patricia Geary, seconded by Robert Doyon to endorse the appointment of Maryann c. Anderson as Town Clerk made at the 1-20-2001 meeting necessary to amend. MOTION made by Patricia Geary, seconded by Delores Franks to amend for clarification Appointment of Maryann C. Anderson as Town Clerk and Registrar of Vital Statistics for the unexpired term of Patricia M. Vaillancourt from February 19, 2001 to December 31, 2001. Maryann Anderson to serve as Assistant Town Clerk and Assistant Registrar of Vital Statistics until the start of her term as Town Clerk. MOTION Unanimous
CORRESPONDENCE: Nov. & Dec. Treasurers Reports; Final copy of previous ordinance re: Town Clerk's Salary; Police Report and Town Clerk's report. MOTION made by Gary V. Hodge, seconded by Theresa Graveline to place on file. Edward Miller questioned Police O.T. in the Treasurer's report - O.T. Overtime or Officers Training? MOTION Unanimous
MOTION made by Edward Miller seconded by Gary V. Hodge to have Treasurer advise what Police O.T. means. MOTION Unanimous
Members congratulated the new Town Clerk on her appointment.
SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS:
Land Use: Theresa Graveline, Chair - Met with SOUTH CENTRAL REGIONAL WATER AUTHORITY SCRW Authority Study Committee January 24, 2001, meeting was well attended, broke down into subcommittees and starting various tasks. Meeting February 28, 2001. Discussion as to what SOUTH CENTRAL REGIONAL WATER AUTHORITY LAND if purchased as open space would be used for, passive recreation, etc. Necessary to discuss if used for something other than open space. Delores Franks questions is "what does the town want to look like"? Theresa Graveline indicated that it is 655 acres of land, not specific as to what restrictions would be on property, Plan of Development related to also. Edward Miller feels that the land would be the ultimate thing to happen to the town. Robert Doyon questioned status of land next to the town garage, possibility of making another offer. Theresa Graveline responded that last offer was rejected and she was under the impression that this was indicated in minutes of previous meeting which she did not attend.
MOTION made by Delores Franks, seconded by Theresa Graveline to add Executive Session to the agenda to discuss land next to town garage. MOTION Unanimous
Ordinance Committee - Needs to meet again, discussion concerning Ordinance relative to the Zoning Enforcement Officer.
Gary V. Hodge would like to have an organizational meeting for the feasibility of a Charter Revision Committee, necessary to schedule. Meet February 20 @ 6:30 P.M.
R16 - Edward Miller spoke concerning R16 contract, feels main issue to be discussed is the group insurance concerning bids. Edward Miller would like #5 on page 24 in contract explained. Theresa Graveline suggested Ed call and discuss with Bill Stowell, R16 Business Manager. Also discussion as to what information was brought to the Council from the Board of Education. Copy of information was received. Gary V. Hodge - Council has a say or right to reject the contract if so information should be requested. It was pointed out that if contract is rejected the Town would incur the cost and it would go to arbitration. Time frame to reject within 30 days and within 5 days arbitration instituted. Edward Miller feels budget increases are out of control. Cynthia L. Gibbons spoke to Dr. Helene, Superintendent of Schools, discussed salary increases in the area, other towns 7% increase, 22% over the life of the contract. Chair suggested members attend Board of Education meeting or invite Dr. Helene or Board of Education member to meeting. Delores Franks feels obligation of the Council to be informed.
MOTION made by Gary V. Hodge, seconded by Patricia Geary to go into executive session at 8:47 P.M. Executive session ended at 9:20 P.M., no motions were made during executive session.