Nov. 25 2013 BOS…the meeting

Nov. 25 2013 BOS…the meeting

Snow & Ice –

After approval of minutes and the pledge the selectmen discussed the purchase of the new snowplow. The highway superintendent explained why the grader is used on certain routes and why the new plow was on the grader. The original plan was to place the new plow on a different piece of equipment.

MRPC Joint Housing Services proposal –

The BOS then voted to apply for a Community Innovation Challenge (CIC) Grant for a Regional Housing Services proposal to be run by MRPC. The cost to the town of Templeton will be $0.00. The intent of this proposal is to oversee section 8 housing and 40B rules and regulations.

Request for documents from TMLWP –

The BOS voted to send a letter to the Water Commissioners requesting the Water Capital Improvement plan that was recently adopted by the Water Commissioners. That request also includes the Zone II delineation maps, which protect the wellheads.

This topic generated much discussion regarding the recent water rate increase as well as the exorbitant increase in the customer service charge from the already high $28/quarter to $49/quarter.Some people are paying more in a customer service charge than they are for water.

CDBG Contract amendment –

The BOS voted to award a contract amendment for engineering plan updates and bidding for $10,000 to Weston & Sampson. This contract amendment is for services related to Phase 6 (Memorial St) of the CDBG-funded Back Bay Infrastructure Project.

Council on Aging –

Bidding on a van.

After a lively presentation by COA director Bethany Loveless, the BOS voted to approve bidding on a replacement van. The van to be replaced is a 2003 Dodge Ram van, which has seen better days (it looks like a Farrell vehicle). The BOS approved the bid process, which is to be submitted by November 26, 2013. The final bid amount will be determined by the Town Coordinator and the town mechanic. The funding source has yet to be identified.

Van Drivers Hourly Rates –

After discussion, the BOS voted to increase the hourly rate of the COA van drivers in order to retain our dedicated drivers. There was discussion about the cost of this increase, which will be paid for by MART. The selectmen are aware that all of our employees need wage increases.

Ballot questions for the January 14^th Election

Two items were discussed for consideration on the January 14^th Ballot election.

Elementary school finance –

A non-binding question to gauge the taxpayer’s willingness to fund the Templeton Elementary School Building Project. I brought this up for discussion because I have had many people tell me privately that they will not support funding a new school in Templeton. A non-binding question on this ballot will provide some feedback on taxpayer support for this project. The original vote for the feasibility project took place many years ago, and a lot has changed in that time span.

Water department-

A non-binding ballot question to see if the voters would consider rescinding Chapter 93 Acts of 2000.

The passage of Chapter 93 Acts of 2000 placed the water enterprise under the control of the Templeton Municipal Light Department. In the years since the passage of chapter 93 Acts of 2000 many issues have surfaced. In 2007, the water department receipts were taken off the town’s recap sheet without explanation. The current BOS has made inquiries to the DOR (approves recap sheet) why this change was made.

The water department has made many improvements to the water system while incurring long term debt. This long-term debt is part of the reason for the increase in water rates and customer charges that was approved and adopted by the TMLWP Commissioners without a rate hearing. The Advisory Board has performed an analysis of similar-sized water systems, which will be discussed at a later date.

The wording of these non-binding referendum questions will be discussed at the Dec 2 BOS meeting.

Appointments-

John Henshaw was appointed to Open Space; Lori Mattson was appointed to Capital Planning; Alan Mayo was appointed to Open Space and Templeton Common improvement.

Announcements-

There will be a Sewer Rate hearing on December 2, 2013 at 4:30 pm

Edgewood Developments is “unhappy” that the town will not forgo $37,500 in kind services  according to contract.

The Board of Assessors has a case in Tax Court. Heatherwood Housing is looking for a substantial  abatement of their assessment ($1,362,100)

Jack Frost Festival will begin at 3 pm Sunday

Please bring a non-perishable item for the Food Pantry. This festival will include a parade (weather permitting) and the tree lighting at Templeton Center.

My opinions …supported by FACTS ! ! !

Julie Farrell

Have a Happy Thanksgiving!