BOARD OF SELECTMEN & SEWER COMMISSIONERS’
SPECIAL MEETING

AGENDA
NOTE LOCATION:
Public Safety Building, EOC
February 18, 2009
7:00 PM

I. CITIZENS’ CONCERNS
II. PUBLIC HEARINGS AND APPOINTMENTS
No Appointments
Ill. SELECTMEN’S BUSINESS
1. DISCUSSION OF 2010 BUDGET
Enclosed please find materials in the subject regard, for Board consideration.
2. DISCUSSION OF COMING TO AGREEMENT, ALG CONSENSUS USE OF RESERVES
Enclosed please find materials in the subject regard, for Board consideration.
3. PRELIMINARY DISCUSSION, PRIORITIES FOR ECONOMIC STIMULUS MONEY
Enclosed please find materials in the subject regard, for Board consideration.
4. DISCLOSURE OF APPEARANCE OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST, RYAN BETTEZ
The Board will need to take a vote regarding his participation in general zoning discussions.
IV. CONSENT AGENDA
5. CONFIDENTIAL REQUEST FOR AID TO DISTRESSED TAXPAYER
Enclosed please find materials in the subject regard.
6. REQUEST FOR REFINANCING OF MADISON PLACE LIP
Enclosed please find materials in the subject regard.
V. EXECUTIVE SESSION
There will be a need for Executive Session to discuss Collective Bargaining
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Enclosed please find additional correspondence that is strictly informational and requires no Board action.
FUTURE AGENDAS
To facilitate scheduling for interested parties, the following items are scheduled for discussion on future agendas. This is not a complete agenda.
February 23
March 9 and 23 April 6 Start of Town Meeting
MINUTES PENDING VOTES
January 26, 2009, February 2, and 9, 2009
PENDING COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS
Carl Campagna, Commission on Disability, Council on Aging and Cable Advisory Committee; and his application is at VCC for processing. (This is a Town Manager Appointment)
Joseph lanelli, EDC; his application has been forwarded from the VCC for BOS action (sent back to VCC for openings in the future)
Leigh Davis Honn, EDC; her application has been forwarded from the VCC for BOS action (Sent back to VCC for openings in the future)
Elizabeth J. Payne, Volunteer Coordinating Committee (VCC), her materials have been forwarded to VCC for processing.
Ilia A. Kurenkov, (Alex), VCC has interviewed him for several boards he is interested in. He will visit the various boards and committees; he called with interest in the Historical Commission.
Conor Nagle, Design Review Board, Conservation Commission, Board of Appeals and Board of Health; his application has been forwarded to the VCC for an interview to be scheduled.
Margaret Busse, Economic Development Committee, Planning Board and Board of Appeals; her application has been forwarded to the VCC for an interview to be scheduled.
Jennifer Patenaude, Acton Community Housing, Historic District Commission and Outdoor Lighting and Education Committee; her application has been forwarded to the VCC for an interview to be scheduled.

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BOARD OF SELECTMEN & SEWER COMMISSIONERS’
MINUTES

Public Safety Building/ EOC
February 18, 2009
7:00 PM

Present: Chairman Rosenzweig, Selectmen Magee, Freidrichs, Knibbe and Berry, Town Manager, Steve Ledoux, and Recording Secretary Maryjane Kenney. The meeting was not televised.

I. CITIZENS’ CONCERNS
Mr. Kadlec made a request for union contract information and update. The Town Manager is working on getting people free to work that request.

II. PUBLIC HEARINGS AND APPOINTMENTS
None

Ill. SELECTMEN’S BUSINESS
1. DISCUSSION OF 2010 BUDGET
The Town Manager reviewed each item of the Level 1-7 of the Service Cuts. Taking all service cuts through level 4 we arrive at a number of $27.2K. The question becomes where are we really? In the ALG side agreements things are carried in the town budget to show inside Proposition 2 ½ debts that the APS incurred that is carried on the School side of the ALG plan. The Current ALG Plan shows a deficit of $816K. The Town’s share of the $816K deficit is $245K. If we find that there are deeper cuts on the municipal side the schools will take 70% of the cuts. If the schools get more money from the stimulus they will put that money into reserves.

Selectmen Knibbe asked the Chairman about the $344K of side agreements. It has never showed up at ALG or been discussed at meetings. The schools cut personnel as they really don’t have capital expenses, where as the municipal side cuts services. Steve Noone is asking to keep the numbers right; we are at level 4 and if we add back $300K the municipal budget is still fine. The $240K is not excluded debt. Level 4, $272K includes debt. So by adding the side deals which is debt you are at 264K? No. the Town would be at $26.8 (due to rounding) Selectman Freidrichs asked how many unfilled positions. The Town Manager replied three. She asked how many retiring and Mr. Ledoux replied none that he is aware of. The number includes the same percentage of health insurance contribution by the town. Mr. Ledoux replied you must approve this contract as it exists as we do not have a new one.

Chairman Rosenzweig stated that the goal this evening is to look at the recommended cuts at each level to 4 or 5 and see where we are in agreement.

Selectman Berry asked if the total cut of $1 .4M is from NESWC. The Town Manager replied that $800K is from NESWC. Of $27.2, $71 8K is capital. However, an additional $185K of capital sits in the trash and recycling enterprise fund budget.

Selectman Magee wanted the underground tank kept in the budget as it needs to be removed. The fuel must be removed at the very least. The Town Manager agrees and will get it done. The Board is in agreement on all cuts from level one and two. Wetlands funds paid for Natural Resource vehicle so that is done and out of cuts. Item by item all agree to Level 3 service cuts. On budget Saturday Level 4 was the budget presented. At level 4 Mr. Ledoux stated with no salary increases; it is not ok to add personnel. In terms of the Reengineering Report, we have to cut funds out of the larger study but we can still do some cost saving planning. Moving on to level 5, Selectmen Magee and Knibbe would take out the entire celebration budget. The combination with the 4th of July will save money and still give Acton a celebration. All the Selectmen agreed.

Chairman Rosenzweig has concerns with building security, particularly the library. Selectman Freidrichs wondered if cable funds could be used for security.

The Chairman would like details on Quarry Road expense; why is it a high priority this year? Water and icing has become an increasing problem over the years. Chairman Freidrichs and Knibbe said to take it out. Selectman Freidrichs would let the tractor go maybe one more year. Selectman Magee stated that safety of the employees driving is important. He also stated that sidewalks have additional costs associated with them such as plowing and upkeep and it is too expensive at this point. Selectman Knibbe would like to keep some sidewalk money as it goes to safety issues and people want them. Charlie Kadlec wanted sidewalks to go to Town meeting.

Paving all agreed it is sad, but can be cut. The Town Manager will report back at the BOS meeting February 23rd with side agreement figures. Pat Clifford asked for information on Municipal Properties study at level 6. It is a space needs study. We are crowded in Town Hall and some of the properties are in need of repair; some are historical and the use of these spaces and the correct way to fill these spaces and communicate in these spaces is important. Selectman Magee would support the space needs study. Maybe move to level 6. Selectman Knibbe thought others have more merit. The Chairman said any planning especially a comprehensive plan saves money in the long run. Selectman Berry said we have not had the reserve conversation. The Chairman said that there $2.3M in reserves to be used, but news on a daily basis could affect these numbers. Steve Noone is not in agreement with heavy use of reserves, but it is in the plan.

2. DISCUSSION OF COMING TO AGREEMENT, ALG CONSENSUS USE OF RESERVES
Chairman Rosenzweig wanted to come to an agreement if the Board supports Fincom’s suggestion of reducing reserves use to $2M instead of $2.3M?

Selectman Magee would support $2M, Selectman Freidrichs would support (if she had to choose between $2M and $2.3M) and Selectman Knibbe stated it would depend on the side agreements, if we do not need to go below level 4 she will support. She does not want to go to level 5. These numbers will be known at the Monday, February 23rd meeting and we will be able to make a decision. Schools vote budget on the 25th and ALG on the 27th. The Selectmen will likely have an open meeting on March 3rd and will sign the warrant on March 9th.

3. PRELIMINARY DISCUSSION, PRIORITIES FOR ECONOMIC STIMULUS MONEY
Chairman Rosenzweig would like to set a process for arriving at the top 5 priorities of our stimulus list. We can use weighted priorities. At the State level they have set up tasks forces, with knowledgeable folks on these committees.

Selectman Freidrichs stated when you see the themes it will become clear how to prioritize our list and she recommends that we prioritize within those themes.

Selectman Magee stated that Senator Eldridge apparently would like to know our priorities. We should be sure whatever it is it is shovel ready.

4. DISCLOSURE OF APPEARANCE OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST, RYAN BETTEZ
His property is near the village center not in it, many of the zoning issues would affect him or is his property. It is not necessary to take a vote.

IV. CONSENT AGENDA
Two items held (#5 and #6). On # 5 Selectman Freidrichs wanted it stated that the Board needs a consistent method for all requests from distressed taxpayer.

5. CONFIDENTIAL REQUEST FOR AID TO DISTRESSED TAXPAYER All agree.

6. REQUEST FOR REFINANCING OF MADISON PLACE LIP
Selectman Magee had a few questions in regard to this request. It is a requirement if there is refinancing, in this case there is a different bank, so the State has signed off. The Selectmen also need to approve. All voted in agreement with the refinancing.

V. THERE WILL BE A NEED FOR EXECUTIVE SESSION TO DISCUSS COLLECTIVE BARGAINING
Selectman Magee moved to go into Executive Session for Contract Negotiations and Real Estate Negotiations and to return to regular session only to adjourn. He took a roll call vote. A roll call vote was taken and all voted in favor.

Recording Secretary Andrew D. Magee, Clerk
Maryjane Kenney