Westport News

Members present:        Steven J. Ouellette, Chairman  
                                  David P. Dionne, Vice Chairman   
                                  Veronica F. Beaulieu
                                  J. Duncan Albert
                                  Robert P. Rebello, Clerk

Also present:            Charlene R. Wood, Town Administrator

Chairman Ouellette called the Board of Selectmen meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. in the Westport Town Hall, 816 Main Road, Westport, MA with the reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance.

Board of Assessors – RE: Public Hearing for Property Tax Classification
The hearing was opened at 6:30 p.m. with Mr. Ouellette reading the Public Hearing Notice aloud.  Mr. Dionne recused himself from the hearing.  Members of the Board of Assessor’s attending were Robert Grillo, Steven Medeiros-Chairman, John McDermott and Paul Matheson.
Mr. Medeiros asked that this hearing be postponed until after Town Meeting on November 28, 2006.  Mr. Medeiros stated that the New Growth figures have been approved by the State.  Mr. Medeiros also noted that for next year, housing figures are down and New Growth will be considerably less next year.
Motion made by Ms. Beaulieu to continue this hearing to Monday, December 4, 2006 at 6:35 p.m.  Second by Mr. Rebello.  The Board voted 4 in favor, 1-absent (Dionne).

Public Safety Building Committee – RE: Update
Members present were Elizabeth A. Collins, Jack DeVeuve, Carlton Lees and Police Chief Pelletier.
Ms. Collins stated that the Committee is listening to the public regarding cheaper ways to build, such as the construction of metal buildings.  At this time, we are waiting to receive quotes from Mr. Folino on a Fire Station only, Police Station only and a combined facility.  Ms. Collins stated that Mr. Norse of the Illinois-based Morton Building Company has a copy of the feasibility study and had responded that this is a large project; at this time we are still waiting to hear from him.  Ms. Collins also stated that the Public Safety Building Committee has not been able to move forward because of these types of delays with the builders and their presentations.
Mr. Dionne stated that Mr. Morton has done building additions for the Town in the past.
Ms. Beaulieu stated that Mr. Folino’s appointment with the Committee was back in September, but he never showed and Mr. Folino does not have experience in building Police Stations.
Mr. Dionne stated that the Public Safety Building Committee seemed amiable to a cheaper facility.  The petitions that have come in are for a Fire Station vs. a combined facility. Is the Public Safety Building Committee still looking at a combined facility?
Ms. Collins stated that the Committee was charged with a combined facility.  We need both police and fire stations.  We have priced out both, singularly and combined facilities and combined is more fiscally responsible.
Ms. Beaulieu stated that Mr. Norse and Mr. Folino were both contacted for cost estimates of stand-alone stations and a combined facility.  We are still waiting.
Ms. Collins said that the Committee was trying to be proactive rather than reactive.
Mr. Rebello felt that the name of the Committee does not reflect what you are looking at.
Mr. Albert stated that the Fire Station Committee back in 2002 came up with the name that is being used now.  Mr. Albert noted that the Town does not have public facilities that are compliant with today’s standards and he felt that the Committee is giving the Town choices.
Ms. Collins stated that hopefully, the Committee would be meeting one more time before Town Meeting.  The Public Safety Building Committee has worked hard and diligently but ultimately, it is the Board of Selectmen who will make the choice for the article for the warrant.  The Public Safety Building Committee is only providing the information.
Mr. Dionne stated that this project would be a good chunk of change for a little while and he felt that is was important to look at all the needs of the Town.  If this project were done, would we be excluding some other capital expenditure?
Mr. DeVeuve stated that the Finance Committee has already looked at this and felt it was a good time to do this; in addition to still being able to do other projects.
Mr. Lees stated that Town Meeting voted by 2/3’s majority to construct this facility.  This Committee is only trying to enforce the need and not to force a facility on them. The need is there for both a Fire and Police Station.  Our Police Station is substandard, our employees are in harms way and we have had escapees, for which the Town could be held liable should anything happen.  The Fire Station as we all know is deplorable, also.
Ms. Collins stated that at this time, the School Department has not come forward with a request for any additional buildings.  When financing a project, you want it to last.  We know what the future holds for the Police Station.  My personal opinion is to take out the loan and don’t burden my grandchildren.
Mr. Dionne agreed with bringing the information forward.  If it is the intention of the people to build only a Fire Station, then so be it.  At the last two meetings, the Public Safety Building Committee advocated for a complex, now this is different.
Ms. Collins said that the Committee was told that in putting up a metal building, it would save millions of dollars.  But at last presentation, it was going to cost more.  The Town has serious problems and issues at the Police Station.  I could not live with anything should it happen to anyone.  People don't come to meetings to learn.
Mr. Dionne stated that the Public Safety Building Committee is saying we need both Fire and Police Stations.
Ms. Beaulieu said that the Committee has looked into options, even though a complex was voted. We have also asked for options for a Fire Station only, a Police Station only and a complex only.  We will not know figures before Town Meeting.
Mr. Albert stated that one of the problems was that people were thinking Fire Garage; some of the people who listened realized that this was a complex, much more than a garage.
Also, Ms. Collins said that the Public Safety Building Committee contacted Mr. Jim Hunt a/k/a Sham Hunt, the person who keeps writing articles to the newspapers, and invited Mr. Hunt to their next meeting to share his views.  
Ms. Collins also said that it was important that the Board of Selectmen keep in mind, leadership.  Ask yourselves, what do we need in this Town. The most valid answer for not accomplishing projects is the fact that people don’t want to spend the money.
Ms. Collins then thanked the Board of Selectmen for having the Public Safety Building Committee in and allowing them to give an update and the reasons why they have not been heard from.
The Board thanked the Public Building Safety Committee for coming in.

Police Department – RE: Public Hearing for the establishment of a fee for the use of a Police Cruiser on detail
The hearing was opened at 7:23 p.m. with Mr. Ouellette reading the Public Hearing Notice aloud.  Police Chief Keith Pelletier was present.
Chief Pelletier stated that they would like to be able to charge a $50.00 flat rate in order to shift the burden from the Town to the contractor.  The money charged would be used to defray the cost of fuel for the vehicles.
Mr. Dionne asked that when a cruiser is requested or required to all details, are the cruisers running.
Chief Pelletier stated yes, but currently we do not charge a fee.  There is an administrative fee plus what is paid to the officer.  It has been established that one hour of idle time is equal to 33 miles of travel.  
Mr. Dionne questioned whether LED lights were on all of the cruisers.
Chief Pelletier stated that LED lights are in the newer model cars; having these lights would save fuel but the LED lights are not cheap.  Cruisers are generally on detail for safety such as roadwork.
Mr. Dionne asked if LED lights could be installed on the older cruisers.
Chief Pelletier stated yes, but it would not be cost effective.  Currently, there are five cruisers that have the LED lights.  Chief Pelletier stated that he would contact the manufacturer to see if the LED lights can be run, without the car having to be running, and what the effect would be on the vehicle.
Mr. Rebello questioned whether the fee money could be put into a “Revolving Fund”.
Chief Pelletier stated yes, but it would have to be created at Town Meeting.
Motion made by Mr. Dionne to approve the establishment of a $50.00 fee for the use of a police cruiser at a detail, effective December 1, 2006.   Second by Ms. Beaulieu.  The Board Voted Unanimously in Favor.    The hearing is closed at 7:35 p.m.

Martin P. Urban d/b/a Auto Plus Motorcars – RE: Public Hearing for a Change of Location of Class II License to be located at 615 State Road
The hearing was opened at 7:45 p.m. with Mr. Ouellette reading the Public Hearing Notice and the Abutters List aloud.  Present was Mr. Martin Urban, applicant.  Abutters present were William & Theresa Plamondon, 11 Cleveland Street (owns 627 State Road) and Ronald & Mary Ann Santos, Faulkner Street.  
Mr. Martin stated that he has gone before the Planning Board for approval.  He intends to do sales only, no repairs.  Mr. Martin said that there are no employees and a lot of his business is wholesaling to dealers.  Mr. Martin stated that he would own the property located at 615 State Road and will operate his business as he has always operated since 1999.  A parking plan developed by the Building Inspector, Mr. McNally, was presented and the house that is presently on the lot will no longer be used as a residence, it will be an office.
Mr. Plamondon, abutter, stated that MDC traps are required according to Mr. Robert Labonte, plumber, for just parking a vehicle in a garage and at this time, there are no traps on the lot; also, the parking plan allows for 39 cars and he felt that this should be looked at by the Conservation Commission.
Mr. Martin said that the Building Inspector has been to the lot and he never mentioned the use of any traps; the Board of Health told him he could park on the leach field, and just a vent was needed to be installed; as far as the Conservation Commission, they would not be involved because there were no issues to address.
Mr. Santos, abutter, stated that his well had been tested six years ago, and there was gas additives in his water.  Mr. Urban is now licensed for 19 cars but the new plan shows 39 cars.  This car lot would not help to beautify Route 6.
Mr. Urban stated that the amount of vehicles was determined by the Building Inspector who has to utilize the area with 10’ x 18’ parking spaces according to State Regulations.  Mr. Urban stated that he will never have 39 cars on the lot, he does not do a tremendous public offering.  Also, Mr. Urban reminded everyone that the car count includes his vehicles for sale, personal vehicle, customers and visitors.  Mr. Urban also stated that the previous owner had a Repair license in addition to his Class II license.
Mrs. Plamondon asked Mr. Urban if he could clarify detailing of his cars and how he would dispose of detergents and solvents and oil soaked rags because she wanted to protect her well.
Mr. Urban stated that he sent out most of his cars to be detailed.  The vehicles that he cleans he uses biodegradable detergent, which is environmentally friendly and he takes all the dirty laundry to a laundromat.  Also, there is a new well on the property, Title V has been completed and he would not be power-washing engines.
Mr. Albert asked Mr. Urban how the vehicles would be brought to the lot.
Mr. Urban stated that a transport vehicle was used.  At this site, the vehicles would have to be unloaded elsewhere and driven to the lot.
Mr. Ouellette stated that he has some concerns over the MDC trap and would like some clarification.  Also, he had some concerns over the fire lane and the vehicle limit, but noted that the hearing was advertised as a change of location only, no vehicle increase request.
Motion made by Ms. Beaulieu to grant the change of location request for Martin Urban d/b/a Auto Plus Motorcars, 615 State Road with a vehicle limit of 19 cars.  Second by Mr. Albert.  The Board voted 4 in favor; 1-abstained (Dionne).

Question & Answer Period
None.

Consider
A) Motion made by Ms. Beaulieu to accept with amendments the regular meeting minutes of September 11, 2006.  Second by Mr. Rebello.  The Board Voted Unanimously in Favor.
Amendments:  Page 5: delete the following sentence: Mr. Albert stated that they could only go the bylaw route, once they have the money in hand; estimates can be sought but only when you have the money. Page 7: Mr. Rebello wanted it noted that with #8, he was not opposed to wind tower testing just the Public Safety Building Committee’s involvement.

Motion made by Ms. Beaulieu to accept with amendments the regular meeting minutes of September 25, 2006.  Second by Mr. Rebello. The Board voted 4 in favor; 1-abstention (Dionne).
Amendments:  Page 4: under H-delete “allow the Board of Selectmen” and insert “require the Farmer”.

Motion made by Ms. Beaulieu to accept with amendments the regular meeting minutes of October 10, 2006.  Second by Mr. Rebello.  The Board Voted Unanimously in Favor.
Amendments: Page 2: second paragraph-delete “Mass” and replace with “Westport”.

Motion made by Mr. Rebello to accept with amendments the regular meeting minutes of October 23, 2006.  Second by Mr. Dionne.  The Board voted 4 in favor; 1-abstention (Beaulieu).
Amendments: Page 1: under F & R Auto Sales in the motion- delete “suspend” and insert “act upon the voluntary suspension”. Page 4: under Consider- delete “Mr. Rebello” and insert “Mr. Dionne” as seconding the motion.  Page 4: under Correspondence #2 – add “Beaulieu” under the board vote.

C) Mr. Dionne questioned the schedule for the hiring of a grant writer.  Mr. Dionne
      stated that he accepted the hiring but would like the Board’s pre-approval that the      
      grant application for a Wind Turbine is the first priority once a grant writer is hired.   
      Mr. Dionne stated that this is a non-competitive grant and it is a first-come, first-  
      served basis and the rebates would be significant.

      Motion made by Mr. Dionne that the Wind Turbine grant application be a first
      priority upon the hiring of a grant writer.  Second for discussion by Mr. Rebello.
      
      Discussion: Mr. Rebello stated that he is fine with Mr. Dionne’s motion, except for
      the fact that this is the first thing the grant writer handles.  Mr. Albert agreed with Mr.
      Rebello.
      The Board voted 2 in favor; 3-opposed (Rebello, Beaulieu, Albert)
      
      Motion made by Mr. Rebello to give this application to the grant writer to work on
      when he or she gets here and if there are not other items, which are more of a priority
      on the table.  Second by Mr. Dionne.  The Board Voted Unanimously in Favor.

Town Administrator’s Report
1)       Ms. Wood noted that the meeting of the Public Safety Building Committee    
scheduled for November 9, 2006 was canceled.
2) B.  Motion made by Mr. Rebello to award Phase A of the Main Road pedestrian and   
vehicular safety evaluation to Judith  Nitsch Engineering, Inc. in the amount of
$14,000.00.  Second by Ms. Beaulieu.  The Board Voted Unanimously in Favor.
C. Motion made by Mr. Dionne to approve the purchase of a Title Insurance Policy for the          former Perry Property.  Second by Ms. Beaulieu.  The Board Voted Unanimously in Favor.
D. Motion made by Ms. Beaulieu to approve a Statement of Support for Appealing the Federal District Court Ruling involving the Commonwealth’s right to protect its own waters from future oil spills. Second by Mr. Rebello.  The Board Voted Unanimously in Favor.
E. Motion made by Mr. Dionne to approve the License Agreement for the use of the Town Farm by the Trustees of Reservations. Second by Ms. Beaulieu.  The Board Voted Unanimously in Favor.
F. Motion made by Mr. Rebello to approve the Town Hall Sign roof design without the address on it, presented by Mr. Glen Ballou.  Second by Ms. Beaulieu.  The Board Voted Unanimously in Favor.
I.  Mr. Dionne stated that every year, he asks that the use of biofuels be looked into; this is a fuel made with soybeans and it has two qualities.  The biofuel cleans the guns on the furnace and it lubricates more than fossil fuel.  This is a tiny opportunity to take a step forward and a great experiment to the Town in the use of biofuels at a slightly higher cost.  
Mr. Ouellette stated that he is not happy to spend more money on fuel but we could look into it.
Ms. Wood reminded the Board that the Town went out to bid under the Plymouth County Commissioners and Burke is our contractor and he will not even come down until we call him.
3) A.   Motion made by Mr. Albert to forward the three applications received for the
 position of Recording Clerk for the HPC to the Housing Partnership Committee                  
 for review.  Second by Mr. Rebello.  The Board Voted Unanimously in Favor.

Correspondence Requiring Action and/or Reading
1) Motion made by Ms. Beaulieu to accept the recommendation of Safety Officer Sgt. Majewski that no additional streetlighting is needed in the area of Borden Street and Route 6.  Second by Mr. Rebello.  The Board Voted Unanimously in Favor.
2) Motion made by Ms. Beaulieu to accept the recommendation of Safety Officer Sgt. Majewski that there should be no creation of a vast area of restricted parking along Drift Road and Hixbridge Road near the Hix Bridge area.  Second by Mr. Rebello.  The Board Voted Unanimously in Favor.  *A copy of the recommendation is to be forwarded to Mr. Gregory N. Jonsson.
3) Motion made by Mr. Dionne to accept with regrets and forward a letter of thanks to Ms. Cynthia Bolduc upon her resignation from the Council on Aging.  Second by Ms. Beaulieu.  The Board Voted Unanimously in Favor.
4) Motion made by Mr. Dionne to postpone any action regarding the request from Fernandes Yared to add Joseph Yared’s name to his Class II License, State Road Motors, until the property has been cleared of all violations.  Second by Ms. Beaulieu.  The Board Voted Unanimously in Favor.
5) Motion made by Ms. Beaulieu to approve the following election officers as submitted by the Republican Town Committee:  Precinct A – Clerk, Priscilla Primental; Inspectors Edith Ferus and Viola Webb.  Precinct B – Warden, Agnes Potter; Inspectors Dorothy Tripp and Nancy Dawson.  Precinct C – Warden Helena Medeiros; Inspectors Normand Ouellette and Muriel Peters.  Precinct D – Clerk, Susan Foster; Inspectors Jacqueline Hasson and Marjorie Holden.  Precinct E – Clerk, Wilma Woodruff; Inspectors Sarah Baldwin and June Hebert.  Second by Mr. Dionne.  The Board Voted Unanimously in Favor.
6) Motion made by Ms. Beaulieu to appoint Steven J. Ouellette as SEED (South Eastern Economic Development) Representative.  Second by Mr. Dionne.  The Board Voted Unanimously in Favor.
7) Motion made by Ms. Beaulieu for the Board of Selectmen to conduct an onsite of Gadoury Street regarding road condition issues.  Second by Mr. Dionne.  The Board Voted Unanimously in Favor.
8) Motion made by Ms. Beaulieu to take a letter under advisement regarding Beach Stickers, which was submitted by Robert Streeten.  Second by Mr. Albert.  The Board Voted Unanimously in Favor.
9)  Motion made by Ms. Beaulieu to allow Bartlett Consolidated LLC to install guard rails adjacent to the entrance of Strawberry Lane, with the funds for the installation being paid for by Mr. Richard Wood.  Second by Mr. Rebello.  The Board Voted Unanimously in Favor.
10) Motion made by Mr. Dionne to approve the request for a change of name for Prestige Auto Mart, Inc. d/b/a Prestige Auto Mart II to Prestige Auto Mart, Inc. d/b/a Westport Auto Center and to approve a request for decrease in vehicle limit to 62 vehicles (was licensed for 114 vehicles). Second by Ms. Beaulieu.  The Board Voted Unanimously in Favor.
11) Motion made by Mr. Rebello for the Board of Selectmen to conduct an onsite at 971 Main Road – Dooley property.  Second by Ms. Beaulieu.  The Board voted 4 in favor; 1-abstention (Albert).  *Note:  Mr. Albert recused himself from this matter.

Other Issues
1) Mr. Dionne wish to clarify a letter received from Lucy Chase regarding the “Welcome to Westport” sign, located at Hix Bridge Road.  Ms. Wood stated that the Cemetery Department has been mowing the grass under the sign and the Highway Department has agreed to take out the garden and re-seed it.
2) Ms. Beaulieu stated that she attended a Bristol County Selectmen’s Association meeting last week and there was a presentation on health insurance.  Ms. Beaulieu said that she attended a meeting of the Finance Committee and the Auditors on Thursday at 11:00 a.m.;to which the Board of Selectmen were not properly advised of.  The Auditors may be sending a letter of recommendations, one of the recommendations will include that the State Department conduct our auditoring. This is not a good recommendation; the audit should be through in mid-January.  Our computer system is not a good system in regards to our software, it is suggested that we bring in someone to create a system that would give us better use of our system.
3) Motion made by Mr. Dionne to approve a request for quotations for a grant writer.  Second by Mr. Rebello.  The Board Voted Unanimously in Favor.
4) Mr. Rebello questioned an item that was addressed on September 25th regarding a question that Ms. Jeannette Souza had regarding “No Parking” signs on Old County Road.  Ms. Wood stated that the matter has been resolved by Sgt. Jeffrey Majewski. He has spoken with Ms. Souza and explained why the signs were installed.
Also, Mr. Rebello stated that he had a concern as to when a meeting of the Board of Selectmen and the Conservation Commission was to take place.
Ms. Wood stated that a meeting has been scheduled for December 4, 2006.
5) Mr. Ouellette reminded everyone that there would be public forum on Thursday, November 9, 2006 at the Macomber School from 6 to 9 p.m. regarding whether water and sewer should be extended, TIF options, 40R Housing and a flashing sign bylaw.

Executive Session – 9:45 P.M.
Motion made by Mr. Dionne to enter into Executive Session pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 39, Section 23B to discuss negotiations and approval of Executive Session Minutes.  Second by Ms. Beaulieu.  The Board Voted Unanimously in Favor.

Roll Call Vote:  Mr. Dionne-aye.  Ms. Beaulieu-aye.  Mr. Rebello-aye.  Mr. Albert-aye.  Mr. Ouellette-aye.

Mr. Ouellette announced that the Board would return to Open Session following the Executive Session in order to adjourn.

Open Session – 10:36 P.M.
Motion made by Mr. Rebello to adjourn the Board of Selectmen meeting at 10:36 P.M.  Second by Mr. Albert.  The Board Voted Unanimously in Favor.

Adjournment.

Respectfully submitted,



Diane Pelland, Confidential Clerk
to the Board of Selectmen


APPROVED:                        
Robert P. Rebello, Clerk