MINUTES OF THE SELECTMEN’S MEETING

JANUARY 26, 2009

PRESENT: Terry H. Finnegan (Chairman), Donal P. Anderson (Vice-chairman), Hilary P. Wilson (Clerk), Arthur P. Boyle, Jr. (Selectman), Willard J. Boulter, Jr. (Selectman), Edwin J. Thorne (Town Administrator), Diane M. Tobin (Executive Assistant), John Mattison (Cable), Becca Manning (Pembroke Express), Steve Annear (Pembroke Mariner/Reporter), Matt Newman, Mary Ann Flynn, and others.

The meeting was called to order by the Chairman at 7:00 p.m.

RESIGNATION: The Board of Selectmen accepted with regret the resignation of Mary Dio from the Advisory Board. A sincere thank you was extended to Ms. Dio for her many years of service to the town.

RECREATION COMMISSION: Matthew Newman presented the idea of establishing a Friends of the Recreation Center and is looking for input from the Selectmen. He would like to create a way for monetary gifts to be put into programs for the center. The Selectmen thought this was a good idea and suggested that he talk with Linda Porazzo, who is treasurer for the Friends of the Council on Aging, for guidance on setting up this type of corporation and drafting bylaws. It was also suggested that he speak to Mike Buckley, Town Accountant about this.

Mary Ann Flynn from the Recreation Commission requested approval of the Selectmen to enter a contract with the Kelly Miller Circus for a show this summer. The Selectmen would like a little more information on this company and will address this item again at their next meeting.

ONE DAY LIQUOR LICENSE: The Board voted to approve a one-day liquor license for the Chamber of Commerce for a function at the Historical Society Museum on February 12, 2009 from 7 to 10 p.m.

BRITISH BEER CO: The Board approved the request of the British Beer Co. to install a sign on Rte. 53, Washington St., with a minimum setback of 25’, as per application and diagram submitted, and in accordance with the lighting requirements of the town bylaws and the approval of the wiring inspector. This approval is to run with the terms of the lease for the restaurant.

VOTE: 3-2 In favor: Anderson, Boyle, Boulter Opposed: Wilson, Finnegan

SIGN PERMIT APPLICATIONS:

Pop Warner Football: The Board approved a temporary sign to be placed on the Town Green to advertise sign ups for the Pop Warner Football League, as per application and plan submitted.

St. Thecla’s: The Board approved a temporary banner to hang on St.Thecla’s church on Rte. 53 as per application and sketch submitted.

MINUTES OF THE SELECTMEN’S MEETING

JANUARY 26, 2009 – PAGE TWO

Pembroke Military Support Group: Approval was granted to erect a temporary sign on the Town Green to advertise the “Have a Heart, Buy a Heart” fundraising campaign for the family of an injured soldier.

Pembroke High School: A temporary sign permit was granted to PHS to erect a sign at Learning Lane to advertise the high school musical “Guys and Dolls”.

TEMPORARY MOBILE HOME: The Board voted unanimously to approve a temporary residential trailer at 35 Valley Street while the family home is restored after suffering fire damage.

GATRA: Mr. Wilson advised the Selectmen that the proposed route for the GATRA bus would be too costly and they will have to revisit the plans.

TOWN MEETING ARTICLES: A reminder was noted that articles for the Annual Town Meeting Warrant must be submitted by February 4^th.

REGIONALIZED SELECTMEN’S MEETINGS: Mr. Thorne advised that there was discussion about regionalizing the emergency 911 services of the county. The next meeting will be on March 4^th. The Pembroke Fire Chief and Pembroke Police Chief will be present at the Selectmen’s meeting on Feb. 2^nd to discuss this topic.

CASH MANAGEMENT MEETING: The meeting of this group was postponed until Wed., February 4 at 7:00 p.m. when information from Beacon Hill is expected.

Mr. Thorne reported that additional lottery assistance is expected to be cut 9.74% for FY09, which equates to $203,000 for the current fiscal year. This will reduce free cash at the end of the year. The snow and ice deficit is expected to be substantial. He is encouraging departments to keep spending down and turn back any extra money in their budgets. Mr. Thorne will present potential cuts for the Board’s review next week.

EXECUTIVE SESSION: Mr. Boyle moved, seconded by Mr. Wilson, to go into executive session to discuss real estate and contract negotiations and upon conclusion no further public business to be discussed.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:05 p.m.