TOWN OF KINGSTON BOARD OF SELECTMEN. OPEN SESSION MINUTES January 10, 2017

Transcription

1 TOWN OF KINGSTON BOARD OF SELECTMEN OPEN SESSION MINUTES Chairman Elaine A. Fiore called to order the meeting of the Board of Selectmen at 6:00 p.m. in Room 200 at the Town House, 26 Evergreen Street, Kingston. Also present: Selectmen Sandra D. MacFarlane, Vice Chairman R. Lindsay Wilson II, Susan T. Munford, and Jean M. Landis-Naumann; and Town Administrator Robert H. Fennessy, Jr. Scout Leader Dick Eldridge and the Eagle Scouts in attendance led the pledge of allegiance. Announcements. Ms. Fiore announced This meeting is being recorded by PACTV. Anyone intending to make an audio or video recording of this meeting should notify the Chair at this time. The Kingston Reporter provided notice. Janet Wallace, the Town Moderator, has appointed Karen Joyce to the Finance Committee and David O Connell to the Wage & Personnel Board. The signing of treasury warrants for bills last week. Ms. Fiore called for a moment of silence after she and Ms. Landis-Naumann announced the passing of Robert Pinato, Sharon Bissett, Gordon Pratt, Carol Perry, Paul Tura and Richard Arieta. Presentation of Eagle Scout awards. The Board presented Eagle Scout recognition awards to Andrew J. Mason, Phillip G. Bishop, Paul J. Cook, William B. Felix, and James B. Cohen. Stephen A. Fehrm also received an award but was not present. Open Forum. Ms. Fiore read aloud the Open Forum policy adopted by the Board at its meeting on October 16, She stated that there are two options for anyone with other than an announcement and who wants to discuss something of substance: make an appointment with Mr. Fennessy or ask for an appointment on a future agenda. If the latter, the Selectmen would need any information the Thursday prior so that they can be prepared at the Tuesday meeting. She stated that these meetings are business meetings subject to the Open Meeting Law. John-Michael Fontes asked if the Additional Items listed on the agenda will be open to discussion with the public. Ms. Fiore said that they are not. She suggested that he make an appointment with Mr. Fennessy. Mr. Fontes expressed his concern with not being able to ask questions about an item on the agenda. He wants the public to hear his concerns. Ms. Fiore, Ms. Munford and Mr. Wilson commented on the difference between public hearings and other agenda items. Ms. Munford also suggested that citizens are always welcome to reach out to her or any other selectman directly with any concerns. Ms. Fiore stated that the Board is now behind with its scheduled appointments and asked Mr. Fonts to limit his comments. Daniel Harlow said that he thought this Board at a prior meeting directed the public to notify the Board during Open Forum if they wanted to discuss an agenda item. Ms. Fiore referred to the current Open Forum policy adopted in October 2016 and confirmed with Mr. Harlow that he could obtain a copy. Mr.

2 Harlow asked why the policy changed. Ms. Fiore reiterated the policy. Mr. Harlow continued to speak after being asked stop and after Ms. Fiore gaveled for order. Ms. Fiore paused the meeting. Board/Committee Interviews/Appointments: Renewable Energy Grant and Loan Opportunity Committee, Historical Commission, and Boneyard Coordinating Committee. There were no interviews for, or appointments to, the Renewable Energy Grant and Loan Opportunity Committee. Christopher Fennessy of Tremont Street introduced himself, reviewed his background and expressed his interest in serving on the Historical Commission. Motion by Mr. Wilson, second by Ms. Landis- Naumann, and vote - VOTE: To appoint Christopher Fennessy to the Historical Commission to fill a vacancy with a term expiring June 30, Karen Quigley of Pembroke Street introduced herself and reviewed her work on the Dog Park Implementation Committee and with the Friends of Kingston Dogs. Motion by Ms. Landis-Naumann, second by Ms. MacFarlane, and a vote VOTE: To appoint Karen Quigley to the Boneyard Coordinating Committee to fill a vacancy with a term expiring January 10, Recommendation for hire to the Human Resources Manager position Robert H. Fennessy, Jr., Town Administrator. Robert Fennessy introduced Tina Calisto-Betti as his recommendation to fill the vacant Human Resources Manager position. Ms. Calisto-Betti explained and reviewed her 20+ years of human resources experience. Mr. Wilson asked about her union experience, Ms. Landis-Naumann commented on employee evaluations, and Ms. MacFarlane commented on developing an employee handbook. Motion by Ms. Landis-Naumann, second by Ms. MacFarlane, and a vote - VOTE: To approve the hiring of Tina Calisto-Betti to the position of Human Resources Manager, at Wage & Personnel Grade 8 Step 4, with a twenty-seven hour per week schedule at $36.60 per hour, subject to the following conditions: 1. Provision of the necessary identification forms to satisfy the requirements to the U.S. Immigration Reform Act; 2. Satisfactory CORI check; 3. Satisfactory letter from your primary care physician that she can perform the functions of the position; and 4. Successful completion of a six-month probationary period. Update on Planning Department 2017 town meeting warrant articles Thomas Bott, Town Planner. Mr. Bott reviewed the Planning Boards discussions over the past few months regarding zoning changes and street acceptances. Specifically, the articles being proposed by the Planning Board include amendments to the inclusionary housing bylaw, creating a new use in zoning districts for short-term rentals, extending the 40R district to the MBTA site, and street acceptances of MacFarlane Farms Phase 2, Marion Drive and Gallen Road, MacFarlane Farms Phase 1.5, and Tall Timbers Phase IV. The Planning Board will not be talking about recreation marijuana from a planning perspective. 2

3 Discussion followed regarding Marion Drive and Gallen Road. Mr. Wilson inquired about the benefits to Kingston were it to accept these two roads without compensation. Ms. Munford commented on the correlation between number of accidents and the cost of auto insurance. Ms. Fiore would like to know from Paul Basler how street acceptance would impact the Highway Department s current road plowing priority. Discussion followed regarding the Town s policy of plowing private roads with more than three houses and whether the policy takes the incentive away from developers to properly finish roads. Ms. Fiore recommended to the Board that the policy be eliminated or that the minimum number of required houses be raised significantly. Ms. MacFarlane first would like to see a list of private roads and the number of lineal feet involved. Mr. Bott agreed to provide that information to the Board. Mr. Wilson asked for an update on the zoning for the proposed Kingston Commerce project. Mr. Bott is unsure of the mechanism to place an article back on the warrant, but there will be an update to the Planning Board on January 23. Approval of : November 1, and December 13 and 22, 2016 open sessions. Motion by Ms. Landis-Naumann, second by Ms. MacFarlane, and a vote VOTE: To approve the November 1, December 13, and December 22, 2016 open session minutes as presented. Special event request Meals on Wheels 5K, April 2, Motion by Ms. MacFarlane, second by Ms. Landis-Naumann, and a vote (Ms. Munford abstained) VOTE: To approve the special event request dated December 12, 2016, for the Meals on Wheels 5K on April 2, 2017, as presented, subject to the following conditions: (1)The hiring of two police detail officers, (2) confirmation that the Silver Lake Regional School District has granted permission to South Shore Race Management to utilize the school grounds for both race staging and motor vehicle parking, (3) verification that South Shore Race Management will procure the use of sanitary facilities for the race participants, and (4) Inspectional Services approves the placement of any and all temporary signs. Special event request 4 th Annual Hope Floats Memory Walk 5K, April 29, Motion by Mr. Wilson, second by Ms. Landis-Naumann, and a vote (Ms. Munford abstained) VOTE: to approve the special event request dated December 28, 2016, for the Hope Floats Healing and Wellness Center fourth 5K Memory Walk on April 29, 2017, as presented. Special event request 33 rd Annual Cape Cod Getaway MS Bike Ride, June 24, Motion by Ms. Landis-Naumann, second by Mr. Wilson, and a vote (Ms. Munford abstained) To approve the special event request dated November 14, 2016, for the 33rd annual Cape Cod Getaway MS Bike Ride on June 24, 2017, as presented, subject to the following conditions to utilize the roadways within the Town of Kingston for the bicycle ride: (1) the applicant successfully acquires the proper permits from MassDOT, (2) the applicant contacts the Kingston Police Department for the scheduling of detail officers as outlined in the event s traffic plan and (3) the applicant or event coordinator contacts Chief Splaine at the Kingston Police Department to arrange for police detail officers at the designated high traffic count intersections. 3

4 Mr. Fennessy added that all three special event requests had been vetted and approved by the Police Chief, the Fire Chief, and the Highway Department. Accept donations to the Veterans gift account and to the Holiday Supply Drive for Veterans. Motion by Mr. Wilson, second by Mr. Wilson, and a VOTE: To accept with gratitude the following donations to the Veterans gift account: Big Y Foods, Inc. - $ David McKee - $78.00 Paul Basler - $30.00 Mr. Wilson also read aloud during his motion the letter of thanks to all who participated in and donated to the Holiday Supply Drive for Veterans. Accept donation from Robert F. Guba on behalf of Anne L. Guba to support summer outdoor concerts for the public at Gray s Beach or an indoor facility. Motion by Ms. Munford, second by Ms. Landis- Naumann, and a vote VOTE: To accept with gratitude the bequest of $17, from the estate of Anne L. Guba to the Town of Kingston to be used in accordance with the terms of the disposition as follows: to provide summer public outdoor concerts of a high classical or popular caliber, but excluding hard rock, punk, or heavy metal styles of music, for the entertainment of Kingston residents on a first come, first serve basis at Gray s Beach, or an indoor facility Kingston, Massachusetts, and further, to authorize the Town Administrator to approve the expenditure of any of such funds in accordance with the stated terms of the disposition. Ms. Landis-Naumann spoke of Ms. Guba s musical contributions to the Kingston community during her lifetime. Accept donation from Rochelle R. Smith to the Kingston Police Department s K-9 Unit. Motion by Ms. MacFarlane, second by Ms. Landis-Naumann, and a vote (Ms. Munford abstained) VOTE: To accept with gratitude the donation of $ from Rochelle R. Smith to the Kingston Police Department K-9 Unit Dog Donation Account. Request to lift the hiring freeze to fill the Assistant Director of Elder Affairs position. Ms. Fiore stated that this position was funded at the October town meeting and will be funded for the FY18 budget. Motion by Ms. Landis-Naumann, second by Ms. Munford, and a vote VOTE: To lift the hiring freeze to fill the Wage & Personnel position of Assistant Director of Elder Affairs. Request to lift the hiring freeze to fill the Wastewater Plant Operator position. Munford, second by Mr. Wilson, and a vote (Ms. Fiore abstained) Motion by Ms. 4

5 VOTE: To lift the hiring freeze to fill the K.T.E.U. position of Wastewater Plant Operator. I further move to lift the hiring freeze to fill a vacancy resulting from the promotion of a K.T.E.U. member to the position of Wastewater Plant Operator in accordance with the terms of the K.T.E.U. collective bargaining agreement. Vote to deficit spend the FY 2017 snow and ice budget. Ms. Fiore stated that due to changes under the recently passed Municipal Modernization bill, only the vote of the Selectmen is required to deficit spend this budget. She and Ms. MacFarlane clarified that the funds in this budget still will be spent only as needed. Motion by Ms. Landis-Naumann, second by Ms. Munford, and a vote VOTE: To deficit spend the FY 2017 Snow and Ice budget for snow and ice removal expenses. Review/adopt FY 2017 Town Administrator goals and objectives. Mr. Fennessy summarized that at a previous meeting, he and the Board reviewed proposed goals and objectives. He has infused the Board s prior comments and suggestions into the revised list of goals and objectives presented tonight. Mr. Fennessy reviewed each goal and objective within the categories of Economic Development, Town Services, Environmental (Ms. Landis-Naumann requested to add support of activities regarding global warming initiatives to this category and Ms. MacFarlane would like to add Board updates regarding the Plymouth nuclear power plant), Information/Communication, Policy/Regulatory Issues (Ms. MacFarlane would like to add a reference to an employee handbook with a clear definition of compensatory time). Mr. Fennessy suggested that, based on the current time frame, these directives should extend to June 30, VOTED: To adopt the FY17-18 Kingston Town Administrator Performance Robert Fennessy Goals and Objectives as presented with the additions as discussed. Town of Plympton request to amend special legislation for the sale of Silver Lake Regional School District land to the Town of Kingston. Ms. Fiore read aloud a November letter from the Town of Plympton Board of Selectmen requesting an amendment to the special legislation filed for the sale of the land to the Town of Kingston for a future police station. Mr. Fennessy provided a legislative update, adding that the final version of the bill, as amended, was passed by the House and Senate and is on the Governor s desk for signature, and today the Plympton Selectmen sent a letter to the Governor requesting that he veto the bill. Ms. MacFarlane discussed the number of public meetings and forums held and reminded everyone that it was the school district s vote to file special legislation. Board discussion followed. No action was taken town meeting discussion, set warrant closing date. Mr. Fennessy said he initially proposed a warrant closing date of January 20. After a recent request from the Finance Committee to extend the date, he suggests setting the closing date as noon on February 10. Motion by Ms. Landis-Naumann, second by Ms. MacFarlane, and a vote VOTE: To close the warrant at noon on Friday, February 10, 2017, for the 2017 Annual Town Meeting, which is scheduled for Saturday May 9, Prioritization of FY 2018 additional funding requests and town initiatives. Mr. Fennessy distributed to the Board a packet containing his proposed prioritization of the FY2018 additional funding requests and 5

6 town initiatives. The consensus was to place the item on a future agenda in order to allow the Selectmen time to review the packet. Town Administrator s Report. Mr. Fennessy reviewed his written report to the Board, highlighting the status of the wage and personnel compensation study, the rehiring of Maureen Thomas, the departmental reports of Animal Control, Kingston Fire Department and Emergency Management Agency, and Assessors, and the committee report of the Police Station Building Committee. Ms. Fiore announced that the deadline for Sampson Fund requests is January 17, Ms. Fiore explained the purpose of the fund and requested that information be placed on the Town s website. She also thanked all of the snow plow drivers for their services this past weekend. Adjourn. Motion by Ms. Landis-Naumann, second by Ms. Munford, and a vote VOTED: To adjourn. The meeting adjourned at 7:50 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Laurie A. Zivkovich Assistant to the Town Administrator/Board of Selectmen Approved: February 7, 2017 Documents used at the meeting: 1. Agenda 2. Suggested motions 3. Volunteer Forms Christopher Fennessy and Karen Quigley 4. Town Administrator s recommendation for HR Manager 5. Meals on Wheels 5K event request 6. Hope Floats event request 7. Cape Cod Getaway event request 8. Letters from William B. Martin re: donations 9. Memorandum from Susan Woodworth re: Donation 10. Letter from Police Chief Splaine re: Donation to the Kingston Police Department s K-9 Fund 11. from Tammy Murray requesting to lift the hiring freeze 12. Letter from Town of Plympton Board of Selectmen 13. Draft open session minutes 11/1/16, 12/13/16, 12/22/ FY Kingston Town Administrator Performance Robert Fennessy Goals and Objectives 15. Additional Funding Requests/Town Initiatives packet 16. Town Administrator s report dated 6