11 January 2010 | Approved: 8 February 2010
Mayor Anderson called the regular meeting of the Town Council to order at 7:37 p.m. In attendance were Councilors Charlie Challstrom, Joe Clark, Georgette Cole, Marida Hines and Ted Kelly. Also present were Treasurer Mary Challstrom and Town residents Bob Booher, Ann Briggs, Charlie Negin and Paula Puglisi. Councilor Favret arrived during Public Appearances.
Approval of the Agenda
Joe Clark moved, Georgette Cole seconded that the agenda for January 11, 2010 be approved. Charlie Challstrom requested the addition of a nominations process discussion as #7. Vote: 5-0.
Public Appearances
Charlie Negin and Ann Briggs brought forth a proposal for a new bridge across the railroad tracks that would land near Girard Street and East Diamond Avenue. The new bridge proposal included a roundabout in that same intersection. Handouts and photographs were presented. A question and answer period ensued. The Mayor and Council thanked Charlie and Ann for their efforts and asked them to present this to residents at the Special Town Meeting scheduled for Jan. 25, 2010.
Mayor Anderson followed this discussion with a brief update on the status of the Deer Park Bridge. He has requested information from CSX, including alternatives to the original new bridge/Railroad Street excavation plan, but has received nothing. CSX would like to have agreements in place by this summer. Bob Booher talked about the negative impacts that this CSX initiative will have on the Town. Because of the number of projects happening on the Town’s borders, the cumulative effect must be taken into consideration. This can be accomplished by adherence to the 106 Process.
Approval of Minutes
Joe Clark moved, Charlie Challstrom seconded that the Town Council minutes for December 7, 2009 be approved. Vote: 6-0. Georgette Cole moved, Ted Kelly seconded that the Town Council minutes for December 21, 2009 be approved. Vote: 6-0.
Treasurer’s Report
There was a brief discussion about income tax revenue and snow removal costs. Joe Clark moved, Georgette Cole seconded that the Treasurer’s report for December 2009 be accepted. Vote: 6-0.
Georgette Cole moved, Marida Hines seconded the motion to transfer funds in order to pay bills.
Vote: 6-0.
Budget Transfers
There was a brief discussion about why the resolution was necessary and about the $50K donation. Joe Clark moved to introduce Resolution 2010-01; Budget Transfer FY2010 (1). Georgette Cole seconded the motion. Vote: 6-0.
Charlie Challstrom moved to adopt Resolution 2010-01; Budget Transfer (1). Sylvie Favret seconded the motion. Vote: 6-0.
Nominations – Discussion
The Mayor and Council discussed the request by the Board of Elections for a more formal process for both write-in and absentee voting. There is a State process for write-in votes which would work for Town elections. The absentee ballot will be a pre-printed ballot with the Town seal to prevent election fraud. Charlie Challstrom and Joe Clark will continue to work on this.
Approval of December 2009 Council Reports for Posting on the Website
Sylvie Favret moved, Charlie Challstrom seconded that the Council Reports from December 2009 be approved for posting on the Town website. Vote: 6-0.
Mayor’s Announcements
- Casey 6 & 7 Update – Mayor Anderson reported that there was nothing new concerning the plans for these properties.
- LOS Condemnation Update – Mayor Anderson reported that no appeal of the latest ruling had been sought. There was a discussion about an executive session, settlement possibilities, mediation and the valuation of the land.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:50 p.m.