Upcoming Agenda
   
Minutes

 

SELECTMEN’S MEETING

November 29, 2016


1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA: Moved by Bill Shields, seconded by Elise Miller, to accept the agenda as presented. The motion passed 3-0.

 

2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF LAST MEETING: Moved by Bill Shields, seconded by Elise Miller, to approve the minutes of the meeting of November 22, 2016 as written. The motion passed 3-0.


Moved by Elise Miller, seconded by Bill Shields, to approve the minutes of the meeting of November 15, 2016 as written. The motion passed 3-0.


3. DEPARTMENT HEAD / COMMITTEE CHAIR UPDATES

A. Road Committee: William Williams spoke to the Board regarding the development of the Road Committee as outlined in a 2002 Ordinance. He noted that there is documentation regarding the meetings of the Committee in 2003 to 2004 but evidently Road Committee Members have not met in a long time and that there is currently no Chairperson and no meetings scheduled. He requested that the Board of Selectmen ask Committee Members to schedule an organizational meeting prior to the end of the year and that the Town Clerk call one of the members asking them to serve as a temporary Chairperson until the Members meet and elect a Chairperson.


Jennifer Roux noted that in 1972 a Warrant Article created a Road Committee made up of seven former Selectmen and Road Commissioners appointed by the Board of Selectmen specifically to review and evaluate the Town’s road classifications, maintain the classifications and set guidelines.


She further stated that at a January 28, 2002 Special Town Meeting, an Article was approved stating:


“To see if the Town will vote to reestablish the standing Road Committee. The members of the Committee are to consist of the Road Commissioners, one member of the Warrant and Finance Committee, one member appointed by the Capital Improvement Committee, one member appointed by the Planning Board and two members elected at this Special Town Meeting for a term to expire June 30, 2002. Thereafter, two members elected at the Annual Town Meeting; if members are not elected, members will be appointed by the Selectmen. The Committee will be working with the Planning Board to propose revisions to the Acton Zoning Ordinance, create specifications for the Town Road Study Report. The Committee shall make recommendations to the Town Meeting on all roads proposed to be accepted. The Committee shall act in an advisory capacity to the Road Commissioners.”


Mrs. Roux expressed concern with the legality of the standing Committee stating that later in June, 2002 at the Annual Town Meeting voters approved extending the duties of the Road Committee for one year and postponing the Road Review Report. In the years 2003 and 2004 members were elected in accordance with the approved article. However, in 2005 two members were elected for three year terms contrary to the guidelines of the original article and Mrs. Roux was unable to find authority to change the term from one year to three years. She noted that for the ensuing years, the Town continued to elect all Road Committee members every year without appointing members as outlined in the original article. She stated that both Road Commissioners agreed that the Committee is an advisory group and that they should have the authority to call a meeting.


Elise Miller expressed the opinion that meetings should be called by Committee members as necessary instead of relying on the paid person to call a meeting, which could create a conflict.


Mrs. Roux stated before deciding who has the authority to call a meeting, it should be determined who is actually on the Committee.


Consensus of the Board was that Mrs. Roux will request that the Road Commissioners call a meeting.


4. OLD BUSINESS:


A. Library Walkway: Mrs. Roux reported that the price to replace the glass from the library door that was damaged from the grinder would be $199 and will be paid by the contractor.


B. Rear Stairs: Mrs. Roux reported that Scott Mooney will deliver gravel for the base at the stair landing probably the next day.


C. Deputy Contract: Mrs. Roux noted that the three-year contract is the same as the previous document. Moved by Bill Shields, seconded by Elise Miller, to approve the three-year contract for deputy services. The motion passed 3-0 and the contract was signed by all three Selectmen.


The Chairman stated that the Deputy program has been very successful and expressed appreciation for the excellent job that Deputy Shaw has done for the Town.


D. Balch Lake: Mrs. Roux reported that the fence has been installed and that the Newfield Selectmen inquired if the Acton Board approves of the water level. The Chairman requested that Board Members go to the dam and see first hand and report back.


E. Removal of Old Sand/Salt Shed: Mrs. Roux noted that CIA agreed to hold the bid for $12,610 for sixty days. Consensus of the Board was to table the subject until the next meeting pending determination if there is money in the budget.


5. NEW BUSINESS:


A. Alternate Warrant and Finance Committee Appointment: Moved by Elise Miller, seconded by Bill Shields, to appoint Lois Michaud as an Alternate Member of the Warrant and Finance Committee to serve until June 30, 2017. The motion passed 3-0 and the appointment was signed by all three Selectmen.


6. PUBLIC COMMENT: No Public Comments were offered.


7. OTHER: Mrs. Roux noted that Poland Springs has approved providing water to anyone that is experiencing water shortage and requested that if anyone needs the help, please call her.


Additionally, she announced that Bill and Sandy Shields are donating a Christmas tree to be placed in the Town Hall.


Elise Miller mentioned the Girl Scouts’ collection for children’s coats and mittens in the lobby of the Town hall.


8. ANNOUNCEMENTS:


A. 2017 Dog Licenses Now Available

B. Tree Lighting December 3rd at 5:00 p.m.

C. Snow and Ice Controls Workshop on December 8th at 7:30 a.m.

D. Special Town Meeting on December 13th at 6:00 p.m. at the Townhall


9. MEMBERS PRESENT: Ed Walsh, Bill Shields, Elise Miller


10. OTHERS PRESENT: Jennifer Roux, William Williams