SELECTMEN’S MEETING
April 10, 2018

Public Hearing: Liquor License
The Board of Selectmen opened the public hearing for the liquor license applicant Iron Tails.  The Board reviewed all supporting documents and opened the floor up to the public for questions and/or concerns.  The Fire Chief spoke in favor of Iron Tails and spoke highly of the owner and his cooperation.  The public had no concerns.

Odyssey of Mind Presentation
Jennifer Sayre introduced the 7 girls of the Odyssey of the Mind Acton team and discussed how they got to where they are today.  The girls received a perfect score and the Dube award at the State competition.  The Selectmen praised the girls for their accomplishments and offered their support in anything they could do to assist. Town Hall staff will be helping by asking customers to round up their transactions for the fundraiser.  

1.       APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
Ed Walsh made a motion to approve the agenda as written; seconded by Kim Stacey-Horn.  Motion carried, agenda approved.

2.    MINUTES OF LAST MEETING:
Ed Walsh made a motion to approve the minutes from March 20 and March 27, seconded by Kim Stacey-Horn.  Motion carried, minutes approved.
3.    DEPARTMENT HEAD / COMMITTEE CHAIR UPDATES:  

Superintendent Ross: Mr. John Ross addressed the Board regarding the Road Commissioners and their duties.  He wanted to take a few minutes to thank David and Scott for all of their work this past winter.  Mr. Ross went on to say that the communication with the Road Commissioners has also been very good, and he appreciated that.

Town Clerk/Tax Collector Update: Jennifer Roux reminded the Board that absentee ballots will be received soon and once they are available to the public, all election day rules will go into effect.  Additionally Mrs. Roux spoke of the primary and ranked choice voting.  She went on to discuss the calibration of the machines and hand counting. Currently the Clerk's office is looking for ballot clerks. 
Tax payments are due April 17, 2018.  The Owls are going to start meeting again on the 4th Tuesday of each month.  In closing Jennifer announced the numerous upcoming training classes.
4.     OLD BUSINESS:
    A.    Atlantic Broadband Agreement
Attorney Morin is in the process of reviewing the agreement and will get back to the Board with proposed changes as soon as possible.
    B.    Flat Ground Road
Attorney Morin made a recommendation that the Flat Ground Road warrant articles be split into two articles, one to approve the article and one to approve the money.  The Board supported his recommendation and made the changes on the articles to 26A and 26B.
    C.    Buzzell Road
Attorney Morin indicated that the Buzzell Road letters need to go out as soon as possible and that we should get back to to him with the results to discuss as soon as possible.  The discussion will continue when the results are in.     


5.    NEW BUSINESS:
    A.    Gregory Vermette
Gregory Vermette indicated that Jennifer Roux was doing a good job and we should just all let this strife go. He also commented that the Road Commissioner does a great job and that no matter which road is used, when he gets to the town line, the roads improve so much more than the surrounding towns. He continued to say there were derogatory comments on the tape he listened to and that they were wrong and something should have been said against those comments.

    B.    Iron Tails Saloon Liquor License
The Board of Selectmen had the Iron Tails Saloon liquor license application in hand.  Jennifer Roux indicated the Board needed to check the approved box and sign the agreement. Ed Walsh made a motion to approve the Iron Tails Saloon Liquor License; seconded by Kim Stacey-Horn.  Motion moved and accepted.
All Board members signed.

C.    Order Calling For Secret Ballot Referendum Vote
Jennifer Roux prepared the order calling for a secret ballot referendum vote. The referendum ballot for the election is to be held on June 12, 2018 and a copy placed on file with the Town Clerk, shall an ordinance entitled, Ordinance Prohibiting Retail Marijuana Establishments and Retail Marijuana Social Clubs be enacted. Once the order is signed ballots will be created. Kim Stacey-Horn made a motion to approve the order as written; seconded by Ed Walsh.  Motion carried, approved. Mrs. Roux also reminded everyone to check their voter registration affiliation with upcoming primary.

D.    Road Committee Resignation
On March 28, 2018, the Town of Acton received a road committee resignation from Pat Stevens.  Advertisement to refill the position was put into place. The Board needs to accept the resignation as one candidate has stepped forward to fill the position. Ed Walsh made a motion to accept Pat Stevens resignation; Kim Stacey-Horn seconded it.  Motion carried, resignation accepted, approved. Thanks Pat.

    E.    Road Committee Appointment
The Board wants to continue to run the advertisement for 30 additional days in search for candidates to replace the Road Committee slot. Candidates can be reviewed and an appointment can be made on April 24, 2018.

    F.    KB Restaurant Enterprises
The Potting Shed came in and filed an application and paid associated fees for their liquor license, Jennifer Roux needs the Board to schedule a public hearing for that establishment. Mrs. Roux indicated that April 24, 2018 would meet posting requirements.  All agreed, a 5:00 pm public hearing for the Potting Shed has been set for April 24, 2018.

6.    PUBLIC COMMENT:
Steve Johnson, Fire Chief : Mr. Johnson wanted to let everyone know that there have been many calls in the area soliciting donations for Fire fighter's fund. This is not something the Acton Fire Department is endorsing or a part of.  Mr. Johnson encouraged everyone to let him know if they receive these calls and to always verify with him on whether the cited fundraisers were legit or not.  He also indicated that the Fire Department is not currently fund-raising.  Mr. Johnson also asked that something be put on the town's website, as the department would like to put a stop to this.
Richard Nass, Marijuana Committee Member – Mr. Nass wanted to remind the Board that there needs to be a public hearing scheduled and moratorium extended. Jennifer Roux responded that the moratorium is currently on the agenda with the public hearing.  Mr Nass then proceeded with an update: The state is moving forward on this initiative. The Senate vote was 16 to 1; the House also passed the initiative today with a 2/3rds vote.  Jennifer Roux asked how far does the Board want the moratorium to be extended out. Discussion to continue next week.

Rollin Warehouse approached the podium with a Flat Ground Road question. Will this agreement clarify the road's status?  Elise Miller said neither, it just enters an agreement that the town will supplement its plowing. Requested response be reread seeking clarification on “town way” status. Response was reread.


7.     ANNOUNCEMENTS:
        BOS Office Hours First, Second and Third Thursday of Each Month, 7:00 to 8:00 pm
        04/18/2018 American Eels Presentation, Acton Town Hall, Free event, 2 pm
        04/28/2018 Hazardous Waste Day, 9 am to Noon.

8.        UPCOMING MEETINGS:
        04/12/2018    Warrant and Finance, 6:00 pm
        04/13/2018    Deadline to file Nomination Papers (Selectmen, Dist 2 RC, School Comm. x2)
        04/17/2018    Board of Selectmen, 5:00 pm
        04/17/2018    Conservation Committee Meeting, 7:00 pm
        04/19/2018    Planning Board, 7:00 pm
        04/19/2018    Recreational Committee, 7:00 pm
        04/24/2018    Board of Selectmen, 5:00 pm
        04/26/2018    Cemetery Committee, 5:00 pm
        04/28/2018    Hazardous Waste Day 9:00 am to Noon

9.          MEMBERS PRESENT:
    Ed Walsh, Selectmen; Elise Miller, Selectmen, Kimberly Stacey-Horn, Selectmen and Jennifer Roux, Town Administrator

10.      OTHERS PRESENT:
    Fire Chief Steve Johnson, Richard Nass, John Ross, Jennifer Sayre and the Acton Odyssey of Mind Team, Rollin Warehouse and Gregory Vermette.