Stoneham Board of Selectmen – Minutes of Meeting of March 28, 2006
Chairman Robert W. Sweeney called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Also present were Selectmen John F. DePinto, Anthony C. Kennedy, George E. Seibold, Town Administrator Ronald J. Florino, and Town Counsel William H. Solomon. Selectman Cosmo M. Ciccarello was unable to be present.
Pledge of Allegiance
Approve Minutes
Selectman Seibold moved approval of the 3/14/06 minutes, seconded by Selectman DePinto. Motion was unanimously voted (4-0). Selectman DePinto moved approval of the 3/14/06 executive session minutes and not to be published, seconded by Selectman Seibold. Motion was unanimously voted (4-0).
Commendations
Commendations were presented to Dominic and Daniel Ottaviano in recognition of their quick thinking and bravery that resulted in breaking up a burglary ring that was operating in up to 7 towns on March 2, 2006.
Liquor Licensing Authority
Selectman DePinto moved to go into Liquor Licensing Authority. Motion was seconded, and a roll call vote was taken.
Voting in favor:
Selectman Kennedy
Selectman DePinto
Selectman Seibold
Chairman Sweeney
Motion was unanimously voted (4-0).
Meeting recessed at 7:09 to go into Liquor Licensing Authority.
Meeting reconvened at 7:12 p.m.
Warrant Article Recommendations
Article 8 – Favorable Recommendation unanimously voted (4-0).
Approve Site Plan Approval Letter/11 Emerson St
Selectman Kennedy moved approval of the site plan approval letter for 11 Emerson Street. Motion was seconded, and a roll call vote was taken.
Voting in favor:
Selectman Kennedy
Selectman Seibold
Selectman DePinto
Chairman Sweeney
Motion was unanimously voted (4-0).
I-93/I-95 Public Meeting Announcement/Selectman Kennedy
Selectman Kennedy said that there will be a public meeting on 4/5 in the Stoneham Town Hall Auditorium, put on by the Mass Highway Department, to explain to people what has been done to date.
Memorial Day Parade Committee Request
Selectman DePinto moved to grant the Memorial Day Parade Committee request, seconded by Selectman Seibold. Motion was unanimously voted (4-0).
Trash Fee/Housing Authority/Continued
Town Administrator Florino said he spoke with Joanne Graves today. He said the State just started reviewing it today. He said she would like to come before the Board on 4/11.
March 28, 2006 – Page (2)
Budget Discussion/Distribution of Proceeds from Ballot Question
Chairman Sweeney said Selectmen Kennedy and DePinto did a lot of work on this, along with Ron Florino and Bill Solomon. Chairman Sweeney said if the debt exclusion passed the municipal side could add two Police patrolmen at $140,000, two firefighters at $140,000, one DPW laborer at $40,000, $100,000 for field maintenance for the Town and School, the Library book budget could increase to $50,000, and the Council on Aging Van Driver could be funded for $30,000, for a total of $500,000. Marie Christie, Chairman of the School Committee, said the School Committee has not had a meeting to vote on this officially. She listed the following reductions, if the debt exclusion is not approved: eliminate four custodians for $128,757; close Middle School rear wing for $76,000; eliminate Middle School custodian,
going from 3 to 2, for $35,528; eliminate Middle School Asst. Principal .4 for $22,539; eliminate 3 Middle School positions for $110,396; eliminate four elementary classroom teachers for $126,301; eliminate all sub varsity athletic programs for $103,823; Athletic, P.E., Health Director eliminated .5 for $48,298; Athletic, P.E., and Health Secretary eliminated .5 for $15,877; and miscellaneous reductions to SPED, Heat, Electric, and Health Insurance for $132,481.
Chairman Sweeny clarified that the Town is not adding positions, they are just filling them from guys who retired. Town Administrator Florino said they will still be down 6 in the Police and 6 in the Fire and 4 in DPW, even if they fill those positions listed.
Selectman Seibold left the room at 7:42 p.m.
Town Administrator Reports
Town Administrator Florino announced that the website will be online. He asked that Chairman Sweeney sign a letter giving authorization to Tom Cicatelli to register the Town for the domain name, stoneham-ma.gov.
Chairman Sweeney mentioned the new street signs. Town Administrator Florino said they just got word they could use Chapter 90 money to fund these signs. He said the total cost is about $70,000 for 1,000 signs. He said that the Town seal is optional.
Selectman Seibold returned to the meeting at 7:45 p.m. with the sample of the new signs.
Chairman Sweeney said they could meet with Bob Grover and decide on the signs.
Selectman Seibold mentioned the subject of allowing alcohol at Unicorn. Town Counsel Solomon said the prohibition of alcohol is a Board policy. He said this Board could change the policy of having alcohol in municipal buildings. Chairman Sweeney asked if the 50-seat bylaw would come in to play. Town Counsel said he would have to check that. He said they could petition for a Special Act exempting municipal buildings but that an easier way would be to see if they have the seats. Selectman Kennedy asked why an article on this was brought to Town Meeting about ten years ago. Town Counsel said he will look into it and he will write a memo.
Executive Session
Selectman DePinto moved to go into executive session, pursuant to Chapter 39, section 23B, and not return as the Board of Selectmen. Motion was seconded, and a roll call vote was taken.
Voting in favor:
Selectman Seibold
Selectman DePinto
Selectman Kennedy
Chairman Sweeney
Motion was unanimously voted (4-0).
Meeting adjourned at 8:05 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Muriel Doherty
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