MINUTES OF THE SELECTMEN’S MEETING

MONDAY, JANUARY 12, 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), Michael Buckley (Town Accountant), Eugene Fulmine, Jr. (DPW Director), DPW Commissioners Crowley, Daggett and Kilcommons.

MINUTES: The Board voted to accept the minutes of the meeting of Jan. 5, 2009 as printed.

SIGN PERMITS:

Fashion Focus, 2 Columbia Rd – approved a temporary 6”x 9” standing sign

Orta Restaurant, 75 Washington St – approved permanent roof sign as per application and picture presented and contingent upon Historic District approval.

ACTUARY SERVICES: Town Accountant Mike Buckley advised that Premorris from Connecticut has been hired to perform actuary services and a report could be expected around March.

ANNUAL TOWN MEETING: Mr. Wilson moved, seconded by Mr. Boyle, to open the warrant for the annual town meeting to be held on Tuesday, April 28, 2009 at 7:30 p.m. in the Pembroke High School Auditorium, and to close the warrant at 4:00 p.m. on February 4, 2009. Voted unanimously in favor. The Selectmen also voted to adopt the proposed draft schedule of deadlines to meet for preparation of the town warrant.

The Selectmen set a deadline of April 14^th for any final financial changes, except in the case of emergencies.

The question about floating docks is being researched by Mr. Thorne and Mr. Boulter. Space will be saved on the warrant for a town bylaw article regarding floating docks. Town Counsel will have to review any proposed language.

ADVISORY LETTER REGARDING BUDGETS: Mrs. Finnegan noted that in 2003, the town faced similar budget cuts from the state. She is not convinced that the town should make a set percentage cut across the board because some departments my get too much of a hit. Instead she feels it should base it on necessity. She would like the board to review budgets and explore options. This will be a weekly topic until town meeting. Department heads received their proposed budgets on Friday and Town Administrator Thorne expects to present a total town budget to Advisory at the end of the month.

MTBE SETTLEMENT: DPW Director Gene Fulmine, along with Commissioners Crowley, Daggett and Kilcommons, were present to discuss the MTBE settlement. It was determined that the MTBE issue can be discussed in open session. Settlement money is deposited into general funds. The DPW thought the funds should be held separately to be used for any future pollution problem. They are concerned that other departments may

MINUTES OF THE SELECTMEN’S MEETING

JANUARY 12, 2009 – PAGE TWO

want to raid the general funds to use this money. The Selectmen noted that if the funds are kept in a stabilization account it would help improve the town’s bond rating. A town meeting vote would allow a special account to be set up to hold these funds. It would not have to be a designated account for a specific use because then the town could not deficit spend if this money is designated.

Commissioner Crowley told the Board that Well #2 did not test for MTBE, but the amount of $750,000 was received for Wells #1,3,4,5,&6. Mr. Thorne noted that two more checks were received this week and deposited to the Treasurer. Commissioner Daggett says that MTBE is in the plume and if it erupts, the Water Dept. will need to have money to take care of the problem. The Commissioners are concerned that the money will be spent down and there won’t be enough to take care of a future problem. Town meeting must be convinced to save this money.

Selectman Boyle stated that the Selectmen are in agreement not to use the one time money for balancing the budget this year. However, in the end, town meeting gets to say if any of the money will be spent or saved.

TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT:

BRYANTVILLE SHOPPING PLAZA: Mr. Thorne advised the Selectmen that the Town could hire a property manager to take care of the Bryantville Shopping Plaza until Sept. 2009. Any profits from the property would be applied to the payment of taxes and maintenance. Currently, the property could still be redeemed by the former owner if they pay all outstanding taxes.

Mr. Anderson moved, seconded by Mr. Boyle, to put out an RFP to hire a property manager to manage the Bryantville Plaza and any recommended general maintenance needs of the property. Voted unanimously in favor.

STIMULUS PACKAGE PROJECTS: Projects for the stimulus package items deadline was last week to qualify for state money from the Obama Stimulus Package. Eight projects were submitted by the town including the Herring Run Boardwalk project, a school project, an energy project, and a Community Center project.

KEY POLICY: Mr. Anderson questioned the status of this project and Mr. Thorne said we would re-visit it.

SURPLUS PROPERTY: Mr. Thorne will review the records to see if there are any surplus property lots available for sale.

CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS: The DPW Commissioners requested an opinion from town counsel relative to contract negotiations which has been answered in the past, so it will not be referred again to counsel. Mr. Thorne will sent a written response.

PEMBROKE COUNTRY CLUB: Mr. Boyle would like to talk to the Norwood Cooperative Bank to find out what will happen with this property now that it has been purchased by the bank at a foreclosure auction.

MINUTES OF THE SELECTMEN’S MEETING

JANUARY 12, 2009 – PAGE THREE

EXECUTIVE SESSION: Mr. Boyle moved, seconded by Mr. Anderson, To go into executive session for contract negotiation strategy and to discuss potential litigation and upon conclusion of the executive session no further public business will be conducted.

Roll Call Vote: Boyle, yes, -Wilson, yes – Boulter, yes – Anderson, yes – Finnegan, yes

Adjourned 8:10 p.m.