Present: Selectmen Dick Ward, Mike O’Donnell, Sarah Hewins, Jack Angley, Chairman Frank Casey and Town Administrator Rick LaFond. Absent A.T.A. Jean Bouchard.
The Chair read the announcements regarding the vacancies on committees, boards, and commissions after the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
Citizen’s Participation - Marc Duphilly and Sean McCardle:
Marc Duphilly, President of the Carver Police Union, along with Sean McCardle of the NEPBA came before the Board regarding Article 3 on the September 28, 2009 STM. This article seeks to eliminate Civil Service for all future police hires. Present members of the force would be grandfathered in their present positions. Duphilly discussed several points in favor of keeping civil service and urged a no vote on Article 3.
HINI Update - Health Agent Rob Tinkham and Emergency Management Director Tom Walsh:
Tinkham wanted to thank Walsh and Superintendent Sorrell for their efforts in preparing for a vaccination. The regional flu vaccine is late due to the preparations for the H1N1. There is a limited amount of vaccines released. There is a great deal of frustration in that information is changing constantly. The virus is weak so far which is encouraging. Measures are being taken at Town Hall providing employees with sanitizing spray and facilities are being washed carefully. Walsh encouraged departments to think about cooperation between departments in the event of a large outbreak of staff illness and how to continue their functions in the event of illnesses. As of today there are no cases in the schools and they are urging parents to think in advance that they may be more likely to
have a child home sick. Walsh thanked Tinkham for his work and stated that we are prepared as we can be.
Selectmen Notes:
Hewins asked that Tinkham speak to recycling efforts since he is present. Tinkham stated the committee is looking into the following:
1. Paper recycling for the town hall and library
2. Public service announcement regarding recycling availability
3. Perhaps get bins for residents or even curbside at some point.
Angley stated the town is blessed to have an active Boy Scout program and congratulated the adult leadership.
Ward stated the Cole Bogs were picked this weekend, and that it was a “so-so” crop. Several citizens were there and Ward thanked the people who helped. The focus was on GHP (good handling practices) and it was good for citizens to see the efforts to comply GHP.
Motion by Ward, second by Angley to have information on tax impact at the next board meeting regarding the building projects. Vote unanimous.
Ward asked LaFond to discuss the comments by Dr. David Suzuki who was at the ICMA conference he attended. LaFond stated that Suzuki discussed environmental and economic sustainability and especially the fact that environmental and ecological goals are viewed as secondary to economic goals. LaFond stated that Suzuki noted that the movement from rural to urban society has caused a disconnect between people’s appreciation for the integration of the environment and economics and that farmers still understand that relationship.
O’Donnell reminded residents of Kayla’s walk on October 17, 2009 to support the American Heart Association. He also asked that everyone remember our troops serving around the world in their thoughts and prayers.
Comcast Cable Hearing:
LaFond stated there was a request to continue hearing until October 13th due to a conflict with the representative from Comcast. Motion by Angley, second by Hewins to continue cable hearing until 7:30 P.M. on October 13, 2009.
STM Warrant:
Article 1. - Reduce Budget Line Items
Motion by Ward, second by Angley to take no action. Vote unanimous.
Article 2. - COA Revolving Account
Motion by Ward, second by Hewins to support. Discussion followed with questions by O’Donnell pertaining to the fiscal practices of the COA. Vote unanimous.
Article 3. - Remove Police Department from Civil Service
Motion by Angley, second by Ward to support. Opened for discussion.
Angley stated:
· This article has nothing to do with the union, and it is for new hires only;
· Civil Service is bureaucratic dinosaur that used to work on merit and has declined into a process of absolute preference.
· Costly legal process with discipline and appeals
· Officers will maintain rights to appeal through arbitration.
Ward stated supports it strongly and that he was on the Board when instituted before collective bargaining, and that now it is obsolete. Duphilly who was in the audience interrupted while Mr. Ward was speaking and was warned by the Chair.
Hewins supports removal due to the financial cost and that the Police still have protection. She does not like timing, but still supports it.
Casey stated times are different now than fifteen years ago and he has always stressed “best candidate” and civil service keeps us from getting best candidate. Right now we get a “lay off” list. Civil service is now throwing administration back at cities and towns with no additional funding for more responsibility. Further, all of the town’s decisions were upheld at civil service except for one that is on appeal, and the cases take 2, 3 or 4 years before decisions are handed down and they are a big disruption. The Town is asking for control to seek out very best candidates like the Fire Department. Most communities are not in civil service.
Motion by Ward, second by Angley to support. Vote 4-0-1 (O’Donnell abstained).
Article 4. - Fund School Schematic Design Study - $600,000
Motion by Ward, second by Angley to support
O’Donnell stated he is hearing that people just can’t afford it. Multiple projects, plus the CPA projects. People are very concerned about it because they just don’t have the money.
Hewins stated as a taxpayer this is an opportunity that we may not see again and knows it’s hard, but it’s the right thing.
Ward stated we have cut a lot of our education and young families are concerned about the schools. If we don’t vote it now escalation of costs will be larger and he has to bite the bullet and support it.
Vote 4-1-0 (O’Donnell opposed).
Article 5. - New Septic System for Primary and Elementary Schools - $300,000
Motion by Angley, second by O’Donnell to support. Vote unanimous. Hewins stated that the Title V inspection did fail, but there is not a health risk.
Affordable Housing Trust:
Motion by Ward, second by Hewins to appoint Frank Casey as the Board of Selectmen’s representative. Vote unanimous.
Motion by Ward, second by Angley to appoint Zachary Swain and Robert Merritt as members of the Affordable Housing Trust. Vote unanimous.
Applications will be accepted for an at large seat until October 31, 2009.
Motion by Hewins, second by Angley to adjourn at 8:40 P.M.
Jean M. Bouchard
Assistant to Town Administrator
Town of Carver
108 Main Street
Carver, MA 02330
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