The Board of Selectmen will meet on Monday, April 25 in Town Building.
After reviewing the agenda for the public, the Board will organize for the year ending with the 2012 Annual Town Meeting. Selectmen will elect from their members a chair and a vice-chair/clerk. Members will also consider continuing office hours with residents, review liaison roles and assignments to key issues, and confirm the meeting schedule for May and June.
Following public comment, the Board will review the results of the 2011 Annual Town Meeting, including a review of implementation of article votes such as design of Middle School fields and review of potential future uses of the septage facility. Selectmen anticipate a more detailed discussion of town meeting logistical issues on May 16 when Moderator Dennis Berry is expected to discuss procedures, the continued role for temporary advisory committees created by former Moderator Peter Gossels, and plans for consideration of the use of electronic voting at future town meetings.
Selectmen will also hear a presentation by the Planning Board regarding the idea of establishing design review advisory criteria. A working group of interested and experienced citizens will assist the Planning Board with this project.
Next, the Board will consider the appointment of auditors for fiscal years ending 2011, 2012 and 2013. An interview panel consisting of three members of the Finance Committee, Finance Director Mike DiPierto and Town Administrator Fred Turkington have unanimously recommended the firm of Melanson & Heath.
During Selectmen's reports and concerns, the Board will consider a revised charge for a permanent municipal building committee. The composition and duties of a standing building committee have been informed by the experience of peer communities, input from members of the High School Building Committee and Board of Public Works, and recommendations by the town's facilities director. At the suggestion of members of the Board of Public Works, joint appointment of two or three members to be added to the base committee for services monitored by elected boards. Selectmen will appoint the project-based seats for facilities of services of appointed boards. The School Committee will appoint members for school projects. Selectmen also will consider and vote an extension of the appointment of members of the Operational Review Committee to June 30, 2011 to complete review of the Abrahams Group report and the FY2011 school budget restatement authorized at this month's town meeting.
After considering the consent calendar and reviewing correspondence, the Board will hear the weekly report of the Town Administrator featuring a preview of agenda topics for the next several meetings. The meetiing will conclude following an executive session regarding collective bargaining negotiations with DPW workers and firefighters.
The meeting begins at 7:00 p.m. in the Selectmen's Meeting Room.
Fred Turkington
Town Administrator
