SELECTMEN’S MEETING
October 21, 2020 

6:00pm

1.         CALL MEETING TO ORDER / PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

2. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR WEEKLY UPDATE

• The Board was presented an updated executive order from the Governor to review. Highlighted was increase in gathering sizes and Town meeting parameters. The Town Administrator asked the Board to review as it was filled with a lot of specifics.
• Gym – The Gym needs to be winterized and closed up for the winter. The Town Administrator asked for direction on canceling the automatic fuel delivery and hiring someone to winterize. Selectmen Ed Walsh indicated he would do the winterization of the Gym and there was no need to fill the tank.
• An update was provided on the condition of the Town’s Assessor who was in a severe automobile accident; flowers have been sent. The Assessor’s employer, O’Donnell’s, has stayed on top of providing service to all of the Assessor’s accounts; the Eval Report is done and submitted.
• Deep Cleaning – The Town Administrator will be scheduling a deep cleaning for the Town Hall. The carpets are scheduled and a professional cleaner will be scheduled to do a deep cleaning including removal of lady bugs from the ceiling and light fixtures, inside and outside windows where accessible.
• The Town Administrator has received an email from Jeff Donahue citing “Conflict of Interest” and asked the Board for direction on how to pursue. Does the Board require a legal opinion on the matter? Where is the line drawn when everyone works and lives in Acton and conducts business accordingly? The Board saw no issue with this subject but advised the Town Administrator that it would not hurt to seek MMA’s opinion. Selectmen David Winchell took a personal affront to this citing indicating it was targeting him and the Town; statement are being made trying to indicate the Town is corrupt. The Town Administrator will contact MMA and update the Board when a response is received.
• D6 – The Town Administrator is researching the agreement made between a former BOS and the individual storing the unit. Tabled until research is complete.
• The Town Administrator asked the Board if they had reviewed the emails regarding a quorum and the concerns of the Road Committee Chair. When communicating with the Road Committee Chair regarding scheduling a Road Committee meeting, the Town Administrator asked the Chair to contact her once a quorum was available and she would schedule it accordingly. The Board supported the process.

3.         WARRANTS/BILLS - Signed 

4.         APPROVAL OF AGENDA

Selectmen Ed Walsh made a motion to approve the agenda as written; seconded by Selectmen David Winchell. No discussion. All in favor.

5. MINUTES OF LAST MEETING

Selectmen Kimberly Stacey-Horn made a motion to approve the October 7^th and October 14^th minutes as written; seconded by Selectmen Ed Walsh. No discussion. All in favor.

The Town Administrator updated the Board that on October 14^th, around the 30 to 35 minute mark the video silenced out. APAT has taken that video down and reloaded it and the problem has been fixed.

6.         DEPARTMENT HEAD / COMMITTEE CHAIR UPDATES - None

7. OLD BUSINESS

A. Sand Bid

District 2 Road Commissioner was able to meet with the bidder and review materials and delivery options.

Selectmen David Winchell made a motion to grant Landscapers Depot the sand bid for $10.05; seconded by Selectmen Ed Walsh. No discussion. All in favor.

B. 13th St

An inquiry was sent to the Town’s Attorney on whether the Town had the ability to plow 13^th Street. Although this has received an opinion in the past, the Board reached out to Durwood Parkinson to review all information to date.  Durwood reviewed all case files and provided a statement to the Town Administrator to add to the files and stated he agrees with the original decision that 13th St can be plowed by the Town.

8. NEW BUSINESS:

A. Charlie Edwards / Town of Wakefield
Mr. Charlie Edwards approached the Board to follow up on his presentation on September 16, 2020 regarding Wakefield’s project to replace Canal Bridge. Mr. Edwards was passionate about getting the project started as the window of opportunity is closing fast and costs are increasing.

After Mr. Edwards presentation discussion ensued. Total price tag was stated as $150,800. Mr. Edwards wanted the Board to commit to $110,000 and the project. The Board agreed it was a good project to get behind but it is up to the Town to approve and there is a lengthy process to do that. If there was any commitment, it would come after the confirmation of the Town’s approval vote. Further discussion ensued. Selectmen David Winchell suggested the Road Commissioners and Road Committee take a preliminary look at the project. The Road Committee is meeting Monday and the Liaison will be in attendance. The Town Administrator will scan and send documents to those slated for review.

B. Tanker Bill of Sale
The Town Administrator has received the Tanker bill of sale and is holding it until the check clears.

Selectmen Ed Walsh made a motion to sign the bill of sale to Shawn McCloud; Selectmen David Winchell seconded. All in favor.

C. Deeds / Martel
The Town Administrator updated the Board that legal has completed its review of all the deeds and they are ready for the Board to sign. This signature completes the paper trail giving the property back as it was never accepted in the first place.

Selectmen Ed Walsh made a motion to sign the deeds reverting the property back to the owner since the Town never accepted the property anyways, seconded by Selectmen David Winchell. All in favor.

D.        Appointment – Linda Leck, Mary Grant

Selectmen Ed Walsh made a motion to appoint Linda Leck to the Mary Grant Committee effective until June 30, 2021, seconded by Selectmen David Winchell. All in favor.

9.         PUBLIC COMMENT: None 

10.       ANNOUNCEMENTS: None

11. MEMBERS PRESENT

Selectmen Kimberly Stacey-Horn, Selectmen Ed Walsh, Selectmen David Winchell and Town Administrator Jennifer Roux.

12. ATTENDANCE

Joyce Bakshi, Dennis Long, Rollin Waterhouse, Jim Driscoll, William Langley, Katelyn Long, Virginia Deboer and Cheryl Drisko.

A motion was made by Selectmen Ed Walsh to adjourn at 7:50 pm; seconded by Selectmen Kimberly Stacey-Horn. All in favor.