June 23, 2014 BOS Meeting… And the movie.

June 23, 2014 BOS Meeting…

And the movie.

Part 1 of the June 23, 2014 BOS Meeting

Part 2 of the June 23, 2014 BOS Meeting

This is the last BOS meeting held in 690 Patriots Rd. Future BOS meetings will be held in different locations until a ramp and a handicap bathroom can be installed at East Templeton Town Offices.

TA Report-

Bob Markel presented the Town Administrator Report. On the positive side the town is collecting $100,000 /day. The Acting Town Accountant has reported that the Town has sufficient cash to cover expenditures through August. Mr. Markel has reviewed the 11 streets for resurfacing with Ch. 90 funds.

On the negative side – Moody’s will withdraw the Town’s bond rating at the end of July. This will impact long-term borrowing but not short term notes. TMLWP can issue their own revenue bonds.

The town will need to do an audit of FY 13 as well as FY 14. One plan may be to use the money budgeted in FY 15 for the FY 14 audit to do the FY 13 audit instead. Bob Markel has been in touch with Sullivan Rogers & Company to perform the audit. Let’s hope the data from City and Town can be resurrected so the FY 13 audit can be done.

It may take a few years to resolve these financial issues, but they will get resolved. At this point in time the town can’t afford to do ANY long term borrowing, so the removal of town’s bond rating may be a blessing in disguise. The Town can use this time to pay down existing debt and put in place a strong financial team. A different audit firm is necessary to get a fresh look at our books.

Appointments-

The BOS voted a number of appointments, adopted a new Appointment policy, and dissolved two committees – Private Roads and Templeton Common Improvement Committee.

Appointment Policy for Boards and Committees

A non-resident of Templeton or its villages may not be appointed to any town boards, committees or commissions with the exception of those that said non-residents are required to be on for their position wit the Town; and those boards, committees or commissions which require other Town boards to be represented on.

The Gravel Permit for Hicks was granted pending confirmation of a reclamation bond in place and taxes paid.

TMLWP PILOT –

The BOS discussed the letter from the TMLWP manager John Driscoll, detailing a contribution to the Town in the amount of $75,565.

$41,552 ( $10,000 to recreation department swim program)

$20,260 to fund the Town’s electric bills

$23, 753 to fund FY 15 streetlights.

BOS discussion concentrated on the new regulations under Christian’s Law regarding public swim programs and insurance liability costs for the program.

Transfers-

The Police Chief and Fire Chief brought end of the year transfer requests before the board. These transfer requests will be discussed by the Adv. Board.

Ch. 90 projects were discussed. The extra “Pot Hole “ money will be used to repair Rt. 101 in East Templeton. The Pot Hole money must be used by Sept. so it will be first on the road schedule.

Job Descriptions-

The COA director made a request to update job descriptions for COA workers that had already been approved at Town Meeting in a prior year. Town meeting needs to vote to create the positions, the BOS approves the hiring of the personnel, and the Town Administrator has the authority to update the job descriptions as Personnel Administrator.

This topic generated discussion about the hiring freeze vs. bringing people back who were laid off. There will be  a BOS meeting on June 30^th to discuss the hiring freeze and if it should be lifted or not. The “new” COA positions went through the budget process, Adv. Board and town meeting.

Class II and Class III license-

The board agreed to allow a license transfer for a pre-existing nonconforming business on Baldwinville Rd. so the Putnam’s can transfer to another party.

Solar Agreement and STM articles-

The BOS reviewed the Solar PILOT agreement with 10K energy. During discussion, we received word from Town counsel that there was a problem with article 1 – solar agreements. The articles were read and after discussion, a BOS meeting on June 25^th was scheduled for 8:00 pm. to vote on the warrant articles.

My opinions… supported by FACTS ! ! !

Julie Farrell