MINUTES OF THE SELECTMEN’S MEETING
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 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 (Mariner/Reporter), Deborah Mulrain, Jim Stone, Dan Trabucco, John Waggett, Boy Scout Thomas Duane, Mr. Duane, and others.
The meeting was called to order by the Chairman at 7:00 p.m. in the Veteran’s Hall.
TREASURER/COLLECTOR VACANCY: After much discussion, Mr. Wilson moved, seconded by Mr. Boyle, to lift the hiring freeze.
VOTE: 3-2 In favor: Wilson, Boyle, Boulter Opposed: Anderson, Finnegan
SHELL GAS STATION, 223 CHURCH: A public hearing was held on the application of Colbea Enterprises, LLC, for a gas storage license at 223 Church Street (formerly known as 243 Church St, corner of Church and Old Oak Streets). Bob Humm was present to represent Colbea Enterprises. He explained to the Board that this was a request to transfer ownership and update the name on the existing license. A permit is on file with the Fire Dept. and all tanks are up to date.
Mr. Boyle moved, seconded by Mr. Wilson, to grant a license to Colbea Enterprises, LLC for storage of 30,000 gallons of gasoline at 223 Church Street, formerly known as 243 Church St, corner of Church and Old Oak Streets. Voted unanimously in favor.
MINUTES: The Selectmen accepted the minutes of February 2, 2009 as amended by Mr. Boulter and Mr. Anderson.
300TH ANNIVERSARY: Mr. Boulter has arranged for a public meeting at the Pembroke Public Library on March 24, 2009 from 7:00- 9:00 p.m. for anyone who is interested in helping with the 300th Anniversary Celebration.
SIGN PERMIT APPLICATIONS:
Sunshine Pool: The board voted to approve 5 signs as per the application and diagrams submitted for the new retail store for Sunshine Pool at 299 Oak Street in the Tomasi Landscape building.
Pembroke Military Support Group: The Selectmen voted to approve the request of the Support Group for a banner to be hung across Center Street, pending the approval of the Building Inspector, Wiring Inspector and National Grid.
42 Winter St.: The Board voted to approve a standing directory sign to be located at 42 Winter Street, on the corner of Industrial Park Drive, as per application diagrams submitted.
Mr. Wilson requested an amendment to the previously approved sign permit for the Pembroke Military Support Group for a sign on the Town Green. The sign permit application should reflect that it is a 4x 8 flashing, lighted highway sign to be displayed for two weeks. So voted.
EMPLOYEE HEALTH INSURANCE: Mr. Thorne noted that the Board of Selectmen in 2001 voted to extend health insurance benefits to every elected official who receives compensation and works less than twenty (20) hours per week.
The Selectmen requested that the Town Administrator research whether or not they could eliminate access to town health insurance by elected officials who work under 20 hours per week even though they receive compensation from the town.
VERIZON: Mr. Thorne noted that it is not the fault of the Selectmen that FIOS is not yet available in Pembroke. The Selectmen are anxious for Verizon to complete the wiring in our town and will look forward to negotiating a contract for cable services.
COMCAST: Mr. Anderson stated that the town is not charging any new fees. There is an existing fee for studio access which is imposed by Comcast. The Selectmen have no control over what Comcast charges for services.
PEMBROKE MEDIA BROADCAST: The Board of Directors will hold a meeting on Thursday, Feb. 12th at 7 p.m. at the studio in the Community Center to discuss policies, procedures, and future purchases.
CAPTIAL ITEMS: At the Fall town meeting, $150,000 was voted for capital items and departments should use the money for the requested items.
SURPLUS PROPERTY: Chairman Finnegan requested that this item be put back onto the agenda under “Old Business”.
WARRANT ARTICLE REVIEW: The Selectmen reviewed the draft of the articles submitted for the Annual Town Meeting.
SPECIAL TOWN MEETING WARRANT: Mr. Wilson moved, seconded by Mr. Anderson, to open the warrant for a Special Town Meeting within the Annual Town Meeting on April 28, 2009 and to close the warrant by 4:00 p.m. on March 2, 2009.
So voted unanimously in favor.
MONUMENT ISLAND BOARD RACE: Mr. Boulter moved, seconded by Mr. Boyle, to approve the request of the Pembroke Watershed Association to hold a second Annual Monument Island Boat Race on July 11, 2009, with a rain date of July 12, 2009.
Voted unanimously in favor.
BUDGETS: Chairman Finnegan cautioned to not get too comfortable yet with the predicted numbers from the State. She believes we should wait for more concrete numbers before committing a final budget to departments.
EXECUTIVE SESSION; Mr. Boyle moved, seconded by Mr. Anderson, to go into executive session for contract negotiation strategy, and upon conclusion to adjourn with no further public business to be discussed.