TOWN OF ACTON

SELECTMEN’S MEETING

November 12, 2009

 

SALUTE TO THE AMERICAN FLAG A moment of silence was observed in memory of Captain Harvey Simonds, 30 year member of the Acton Fire Department, who passed away on November 7, 2009.

 

1.      APPROVAL OF AGENDA: Approved with the addition of 5. 3.

 

2.      APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF LAST MEETING: Approved with the request by Dennis to clarify the fact that the two policies were signed separately.

3.      SIGN WARRANT: Approved and signed.

 

4.      OLD BUSINESS:

 

(a)  Cable Committee Update: Carol reported the telephone has been installed. Dennis noted that the phone is being paid for from franchise fees from Metrocast.

 

(b) Road Committee: Karl reported that the road use count numbers are in. They will need to do a road use count on the seasonal roads later on. Karl announced that the committee recommends Bill Gannon be appointed to the committee.

 

5. NEW BUSINESS:

1. RANDY GOODWIN’S RESIGNATION FROM THE PLANNING BOARD: Tony read Randy’s resignation and on a motion by Dennis, seconded by Larissa, it was accepted with regret. Lorraine was asked to publicize the vacancy. 2. OBSERVER: Dennis noted that the Observer newspaper has been publishing ads and information about Acton that is defaming, slanderous and untrue. He telephoned the paper and asked them to send a representative to this meeting, but they did not. Dennis said he has instructed all personnel not to respond to any calls that may come from the paper. He also noted that whenever he finds papers in the Town Hall, he will take them home and burn them. Larissa said the articles in the paper are evidence of irresponsible journalism but she is reluctant to cut off all communication. She would encourage the public to inquire about the things being published, to find the truth. She doesn’t feel the board should ban or censor the paper. 3. APPOINTMENT: Larissa noted that while she feels Bill Gannon is well qualified for the position, she was concerned that the vote of the Road Committee was by e-mail without discussion of the qualifications of all candidates. Larissa made a motion to appoint Gannon to fill out the term of Cindy Hart on the Road Advisory Committee and it was so voted. There was some discussion about the tuition payment to Sanford. Apparently there was some mis-communication. Selectmen has asked that Sanford be contacted about possible two payments for tuition, December and June. Dennis has contacted the school but received no reply.

 

6. ADJOURNMENT:  Adjourned at 7:55 pm.

 

7. MEMBERS PRESENT: Tony Cogliandro, Dennis Long, Larissa Crockett

 

8. OTHERS PRESENT: Holly Mooney, Carol Long, Bob Anderson, John Moore, Ethan Current, Roger Roy, Chip Venell, Paul Poyant, David Winchell Jr., Karl Hodgdon, Pam McAlinden, Jack Kelly, Dean Knight, Brian Cochrane, Andrew Cogliandro, Bill Gannon, Peter Smith, Ed Walsh, Virginia Deboer, Lorraine Yeaton.