Town of Becket - Annual Town Meeting Minutes 5/8/10

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Annual Town Meeting Minutes 5/8/10

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Pursuant to the foregoing warrant, the Annual Town Meeting was called on May 8, 2010, 7:00 p.m. at Becket Town Hall, 557 Main Street, Becket. There being a quorum present, the meeting was called to order at 7:03 p.m. by the Moderator. There were 74 registered voters present (6% of 1,251 voters) and a total of 85 people attended the meeting. Town Officials Present: Bruce Garlow, Moderator; William Cavanaugh, George Fuller, and John Murray, Selectmen; Jeremy Dunn, Michael Falk, Ann Spadafora, Finance Committee Members; Jeanne Pryor, Town Clerk; Tony Blair, Town Administrator; Sally Bell, Town Counsel. Mr. Garlow stated that this is Ms. Pryor’s last town meeting as Town Clerk and she has done an excellent job. He noted that, regarding the 2010 Census, Becket has been able to increase its return rate and a lot of that has to do with Jeanne and the effort that she has put into it. He expressed the importance of residents returning their census forms because for each individual in town it represents $2,000 in state/federal aid that comes to the Town of Becket.

The Moderator opened the meeting stating the rules to be followed. He asked for a showing of hands of non- voters and welcomed them, indicating that they could address the meeting but could not vote. The Moderator noted measures he would take to speed up the meeting, including paraphrasing each article (as the articles are available in written form) and not having the Town Clerk read the call of the meeting and officer’s return of service. The Moderator reviewed the warrant and noted it as having been duly posted.

The following articles were voted on:

Article 1: [FOR FISCAL YEAR 2009]: To see if the Town will vote to appropriate the sum of $35,402 to fund the following deficits from FY 2009:

Highway Gravel Roads	22,250
Revenue Deficit	13,152

and to fund the appropriation by transferring $35,402 from the Stabilization Fund.

4/5 Vote Required

Article 1 was moved by Bill Cavanaugh and seconded by Jeremy Dunn. There was no discussion. A vote was taken and the motion on Article 1 passed unanimously.

Article 2: [FOR FISCAL YEAR 2010]: To see if the Town will vote to appropriate the sum of $24,136 to fund the following account at the listed amounts for the balance of the 2010 fiscal year:

Vocational Tuition

24,136

and to fund this appropriation by transferring $24,136 from the Stabilization Fund.

2/3 Vote Required

Article 2 was moved by Bill Cavanaugh and seconded by John Murray. There was no discussion. A vote was taken and the motion on Article 2 passed unanimously.

Article 3: [FOR FISCAL YEAR 2010]: To see if the Town will vote to appropriate the sum of $48,000 for the Ambulance Salary Account for the balance of the 2010 fiscal year and to fund this appropriation by transferring $48,000 from the Ambulance Department Receipts Reserved Account.

Majority Vote Required

Article 3 was moved by Bill Cavanaugh and seconded by John Murray. There was no discussion. A vote was taken and the motion on Article 3 passed unanimously.

Article 4: To see if the Town will accept the provisions of Chapter 44, § 53F½ of the Massachusetts General Laws, establishing the Becket Ambulance Department as an Enterprise Fund effective fiscal year 2011.

Selectmen: Recommend Majority Vote Required

Finance Committee: Recommends

Article 4 was moved by Bill Cavanaugh and seconded by Jeremy Dunn. Tony Blair explained the Enterprise Fund as an accounting tool that allows the town to account for all Ambulance Department business (salaries, expenses, capital) in a separate fund so that we can better understand how much we earn and spend in the Ambulance Department. A vote was taken and the motion on Article 4 passed unanimously.

Article 4A: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the amount of $238,000 to the Ambulance Enterprise Fund to fund the operations of the Ambulance Department for FY 2011.

Salaries $220,000

Expenses $18,000

Selectmen: Recommend Majority Vote Required

Finance Committee: Recommends

Article 4A was moved by Bill Cavanaugh and seconded by John Murray. In response to a question, Mr. Blair explained that the actual net cost is a bit less than noted in the article but we do get revenue throughout the year. A vote was taken and the motion on Article 4A passed unanimously.

Article 5: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate such sums of money as may be needed to defray the expenses of the Town for the 2011 fiscal year and to fix the salaries and compensation of all elective officials as provided by Section 108 of Chapter 41 of the Massachusetts General Laws as set forth below in the following line items:

Selectmen: Recommend Majority Vote Required

Finance Committee: Recommends

~	DEPARTMENT	~	FY 2010		FY 2011		FIN COMM		$$ INCREASE		% INCREASE
~	~	~	BUDGET		REQUEST		RECOMMEND		(DECREASE)		(DECREASE)
~	GENERAL GOVERNMENT	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~
	~	~		~		~	~	~		~	~
1	LEGAL EXPENSES	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~
2	TOWN COUNSEL	~	5,000.00	~	5,000.00	~	5,000.00	~	0.00	~	0.00%
3	LEGAL EXPENSE	~	3,500.00	~	25,000.00	~	25,000.00	~	21,500.00	~	614.29%
4	TAX TITLE EXPENSES	~	15,000.00	~	6,000.00	~	6,000.00	~	(9,000.00)	~	-60.00%
5	LEGAL EXPENSES TOTAL	~	23,500.00	~	36,000.00	~	36,000.00	~	12,500.00	~	53.19%
~	~	~		~		~	~	~		~	~
7	ACCOUNTANT/AUDITOR	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~
8	AUDIT	~	17,500.00	~	17,000.00	~	17,000.00	~	(500.00)	~	-2.86%
9	ACCOUNTING & PAYROLL SERVICES	~	17,000.00	~	16,500.00	~	16,500.00	~	(500.00)	~	-2.94%
10	ACCOUNTANT/AUDITOR TOTAL	~	34,500.00	~	33,500.00	~	33,500.00	~	(1,000.00)	~	-2.90%
~	~	~		~		~	~	~		~	~
12	MODERATOR & SELECTBOARD	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~
13	MODERATOR	~	100.00	~	0.00	~	0.00	~	(100.00)	~	-100.00%
14	MODERATOR EXPENSE	~	50.00	~	0.00	~	0.00	~	(50.00)	~	-100.00%
15	SELECTMEN'S SALARIES	~	4,500.00	~	4,500.00	~	4,500.00	~	0.00	~	0.00%
16	SELECTMEN'S EXPENSES	~	900.00	~	800.00	~	800.00	~	(100.00)	~	-11.11%
17	MODERATOR & SELECTBOARD TOTAL	~	5,550.00	~	5,300.00	~	5,300.00	~	(250.00)	~	-4.50%
~	~	~		~		~	~	~		~	~
19	ADMINISTRATOR'S OFFICE	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~
20	TOWN SECRETARY	~	40,426.00	~	40,426.00	~	40,426.00	~	0.00	~	0.00%
21	TOWN ADMIN. SALARY	~	55,000.00	~	55,000.00	~	55,000.00	~	0.00	~	0.00%
22	TOWN ADMIN. EXPENSE	~	1,080.00	~	1,080.00	~	1,080.00	~	0.00	~	0.00%
23	ADMINISTRATOR'S OFFICE TOTAL	~	96,506.00	~	96,506.00	~	96,506.00	~	0.00	~	0.00%
~	~	~		~		~	~	~		~	~
25	ASSESSOR'S OFFICE	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~
26	ASSESSORS SALARIES	~	108,829.00	~	108,829.00	~	108,829.00	~	0.00	~	0.00%
27	ASSESSORS EXPENSE	~	11,200.00	~	11,200.00	~	11,200.00	~	0.00	~	0.00%
28	ASSESSOR'S OFFICE TOTAL	~	120,029.00	~	120,029.00	~	120,029.00	~	0.00	~	0.00%
~	~	~		~		~	~	~		~	~
30	TAX COLLECTOR'S OFFICE	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~
31	TAX COLLECTOR SALARY	~	47,087.00	~	47,087.00	~	47,087.00	~	0.00	~	0.00%
32	TAX COLLECTOR EXPENSE	~	6,185.00	~	6,185.00	~	6,185.00	~	0.00	~	0.00%
33	ASSIST. TAX COLLECTOR	~	16,272.00	~	16,272.00	~	16,272.00	~	0.00	~	0.00%
34	TAX COLLECTOR'S OFFICE TOTAL	~	69,544.00	~	69,544.00	~	69,544.00	~	0.00	~	0.00%
~	~	~		~		~	~	~		~	~
36	TREASURER'S OFFICE	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~
37	TOWN TREASURER SALARY	~	34,028.00	~	34,028.00	~	34,028.00	~	0.00	~	0.00%
38	TOWN TREASURER EXP.	~	5,000.00	~	5,000.00	~	5,000.00	~	0.00	~	0.00%
39	TREASURER'S OFFICE TOTAL	~	39,028.00	~	39,028.00	~	39,028.00	~	0.00	~	0.00%
~	~	~		~		~	~	~		~	~
41	TOWN CLERK & ELECTIONS	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~
42	TOWN CLERK SALARY	~	25,174.00	~	25,518.00	~	25,174.00	~	0.00	~	0.00%
43	TOWN CLERK EXPENSE	~	2,910.00	~	2,585.00	~	2,585.00	~	(325.00)	~	-11.17%
44	ELECTION-REGISTRATION	~	9,171.00	~	10,949.00	~	10,949.00	~	1,778.00	~	19.39%
45	TOWN CLERK & ELECTIONS TOTAL	~	37,255.00	~	39,052.00	~	38,708.00	~	1,453.00	~	3.90%
~	~	~		~		~	~	~		~	~
47	TOWN BOARDS & COMMISSIONS	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~
48	CONSERVATION COMM.	~	7,000.00	~	7,000.00	~	6,500.00	~	(500.00)	~	-7.14%
49	PLANNING BOARD EXPENSE	~	6,300.00	~	5,000.00	~	3,100.00	~	(3,200.00)	~	-50.79%
50	REGIONAL PLAN COM.	~	1,116.00	~	1,116.00	~	1,116.00	~	0.00	~	0.00%
51	BOARD of APPEALS	~	2,000.00	~	3,500.00	~	3,500.00	~	1,500.00	~	75.00%
52	FINANCE COMMITTEE	~	900.00	~	100.00	~	100.00	~	(800.00)	~	-88.89%
53	TOWN BOARDS & COMMISSIONS TOTAL	~	17,316.00	~	16,716.00	~	14,316.00	~	(3,000.00)	~	-17.33%
~	~	~		~		~	~	~		~	~
55	OPERATIONS & MAINTENANCE	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~
56	PUBLIC BUILDINGS	~	50,000.00	~	50,000.00	~	50,000.00	~	0.00	~	0.00%
57	MUNICIPAL UTILITIES	~	57,000.00	~	52,000.00	~	52,000.00	~	(5,000.00)	~	-8.77%
58	ADVERTISING	~	2,500.00	~	2,000.00	~	2,000.00	~	(500.00)	~	-20.00%
59	POSTAGE	~	14,750.00	~	14,750.00	~	14,750.00	~	0.00	~	0.00%
60	TOWN REPORTS	~	3,000.00	~	3,000.00	~	3,000.00	~	0.00	~	0.00%
61	OPERATIONS & MAINTENANCE TOTAL	~	127,250.00	~	121,750.00	~	121,750.00	~	(5,500.00)	~	-4.32%
62	~	~		~		~	~	~		~	~
63	TOTAL GENERAL GOVERNMENT	~	570,478.00	~	577,425.00	~	574,681.00	~	4,203.00	~	0.74%
~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~
65	HIGHWAY	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~
~	~	~		~		~	~	~		~	~
67	SUMMER ROADS LABOR	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~
68	SUMMER ROADS LABOR	~		~		~	188,218.56	~		~	~
69	SUMMER ROADS OVERTIME	~	~	~	~	~	8,000.00	~	~	~	~
70	SUMMER ROADS LABOR TOTAL	~	~	~	~	~	196,218.56	~	~	~	~
~	~	~		~		~	~	~		~	~
72	MACHINERY, FUEL, MATERIALS	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~
73	MACHINERY ACCOUNT	~	39,000.00	~	40,000.00	~	40,000.00	~	1,000.00	~	2.56%
74	RECONST. of GRAVEL ROADS	~	50,000.00	~	50,000.00	~	50,000.00	~	0.00	~	0.00%
75	GENERAL MAINTENANCE, MATERIALS & EQUIPMENT	~		~		~	60,934.00	~		~	~
76	FUEL ACCOUNT_NON-WINTER	~	24,000.00	~	25,288.00	~	25,288.00	~	1,288.00	~	5.37%
77	MACHINERY, FUEL, MATERIALS TOTAL	~	~	~	~	~	176,222.00	~	~	~	~
78	~	~		~		~		~		~	~
79	SUMMER ROADS & MAINTENANCE TOTAL	~	~	~	~	~	372,440.56	~	~	~	~
~	~	~		~		~	~	~		~	~
81	WINTER ROADS LABOR	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~
82	WINTER ROADSLABOR	~		~		~	102,296.16	~		~	~
83	WINTER ROADS OVERTIME	~	~	~	~	~	28,331.25	~	~	~	~
84	WINTER ROADS LABOR TOTAL	~	~	~	~	~	130,627.41	~	~	~	~
~	~	~		~		~	~	~		~	~
86	SNOW & ICE REMOVAL & FUEL	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~
87	WINTER ROADS SNOW & ICE REMOVAL	~		~		~	66,750.00	~		~	~
88	FUEL ACCOUNT_WINTER	~	36,000.00	~	37,932.00	~	37,932.00	~	~	~	5.37%
89	WINTER ROADS / FUEL & MATERIAL TOTAL	~	~	~	~	~	104,682.00	~	~	~	~
90	~	~		~		~		~		~	~
91	WINTER ROADS TOTAL	~	~	~	~	~	235,309.41	~	~	~	~
92	~	~		~		~		~		~	~
93	TOTAL HIGHWAY	~	591,184.00	~	591,119.00	~	607,749.97	~	16,565.97	~	2.80%
		~		~		~	~	~		~	~
95	PUBLIC WORKS	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~
~	~	~		~		~	~	~		~	~
97	CEMETERIES	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~
98	CENTER CEMETERY	~	3,500.00	~	3,500.00	~	3,500.00	~	0.00	~	0.00%
99	NORTH CEMETERY	~	6,000.00	~	6,000.00	~	6,000.00	~	0.00	~	0.00%
100	WEST CEMETERY	~	1,200.00	~	1,200.00	~	1,200.00	~	0.00	~	0.00%
101	CEMETERIES TOTAL	~	10,700.00	~	10,700.00	~	10,700.00	~	0.00	~	0.00%
~	~	~		~		~	~	~		~	~
103	TREES	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~
104	FORESTRY	~	300.00	~	300.00	~	300.00	~	0.00	~	0.00%
105	MOTH ACCOUNT	~	100.00	~	100.00	~	100.00	~	0.00	~	0.00%
106	TREE ACCOUNT	~	5,000.00	~	5,000.00	~	5,000.00	~	0.00	~	0.00%
107	TREES TOTAL	~	5,400.00	~	5,400.00	~	5,400.00	~	0.00	~	0.00%
~	~	~		~		~	~	~		~	~
109	STREET LIGHTS	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~
110	STREET LIGHTS	~	7,320.00	~	7,320.00	~	7,320.00	~	0.00	~	0.00%
111	STREET LIGHTS TOTAL	~	7,320.00	~	7,320.00	~	7,320.00	~	0.00	~	0.00%
~	~	~		~		~	~	~		~	~
113	TRANSFER STATION	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~
114	TRANSFER STATION LABOR	~	20,319.00	~	20,319.00	~	20,319.00	~	0.00	~	0.00%
115	TRANSFER STATION COSTS	~	70,318.00	~	70,318.00	~	70,318.00	~	0.00	~	0.00%
116	TRANSFER STATION TOTAL	~	90,637.00	~	90,637.00	~	90,637.00	~	0.00	~	0.00%
117	~	~		~		~	~	~		~	~
118	TOTAL PUBLIC WORKS	~	114,057.00	~	114,057.00	~	114,057.00	~	0.00	~	0.00%
119	~	~		~		~		~		~	~
120	TOTAL HIGHWAY & PUBLIC WORKS	~	705,241.00	~	694,238.00	~	721,806.97	~	16,565.97	~	2.35%
~	~	~		~		~	~	~		~	~
122	EDUCATION	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~
123	CBRSD OPERATING ASSESSMENT	~	2,100,470.00	~	2,052,391.00	~	2,052,391.00	~	(48,079.00)	~	-2.29%
124	SCHOOL CAPITAL	~	26,805.00	~	35,314.15	~	35,314.15	~	8,509.15	~	31.74%
125	OPERATING & CAPITAL TOTAL	~	2,127,275.00	~	2,087,705.15	~	2,087,705.15	~	(39,569.85)	~	-1.86%
126	VOCATIONAL TUITION	~	113,700.00	~	187,000.00	~	187,000.00	~	73,300.00	~	64.47%
127	VOCATIONAL TRANSPORT.	~	55,000.00	~	77,000.00	~	77,000.00	~	22,000.00	~	40.00%
128	VOCATIONAL ED. TOTAL	~	168,700.00	~	264,000.00	~	264,000.00	~	95,300.00	~	56.49%
129	~	~		~		~	~	~		~	~
130	EDUCATION TOTAL	~	2,295,975.00	~	2,351,705.15	~	2,351,705.15	~	55,730.15	~	2.43%
~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~
132	PUBLIC SAFETY	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~
~	~	~		~		~	~	~		~	~
134	POLICE DEPARTMENT	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~
135	POLICE DEPT. SALARIES	~	169,000.00	~	169,000.00	~	169,000.00	~	0.00	~	0.00%
136	POLICE DEPT. EXPENSE	~	16,270.00	~	16,270.00	~	16,270.00	~	0.00	~	0.00%
137	POLICE TOTAL	~	185,270.00	~	185,270.00	~	185,270.00	~	0.00	~	0.00%
~	~	~		~		~	~	~		~	~
139	PUBLIC SAFETY	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~
140	CONSTABLE EXPENSE	~	300.00	~	300.00	~	300.00	~	0.00	~	0.00%
141	EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT	~	2,605.33	~	1,000.00	~	500.00	~	(2,105.33)	~	-80.81%
142	HARBOR MASTER	~	990.00	~	990.00	~	990.00	~	0.00	~	0.00%
143	PUBLIC SAFETY TOTAL	~	3,895.33	~	2,290.00	~	1,790.00	~	(2,105.33)	~	-54.05%
~	~	~		~		~	~	~		~	~
145	FIRE DEPARTMENT	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~
146	FIRE CHIEF STIPEND	~	3,662.00	~	15,000.00	~	3,662.00	~	0.00	~	0.00%
147	FIRE DEPT. EXPENSES	~	24,000.00	~	24,000.00	~	24,000.00	~	0.00	~	0.00%
148	FIRE CALL STIPEND	~	8,000.00	~	8,000.00	~	8,000.00	~	0.00	~	0.00%
149	FIRE TOTAL	~	35,662.00	~	47,000.00	~	35,662.00	~	0.00	~	0.00%
~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~
152	EMERGENCY DISPATCH	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~
153	E911 COMMUNICATION	~	9,102.00	~	9,374.84	~	9,374.84	~	272.84	~	3.00%
154	DISPATCH TOTAL	~	9,102.00	~	9,374.84	~	9,374.84	~	272.84	~	3.00%
~	~	~		~		~	~	~		~	~
156	INSPECTIONAL SERVICES	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~
157	BUILDING INSP. SALARY	~	45,884.00	~	45,884.00	~	45,884.00	~	0.00	~	0.00%
158	BUILDING & CODE INSP. EXP	~	2,375.00	~	2,375.00	~	2,375.00	~	0.00	~	0.00%
159	DEMOLITION FUND	~	11,400.00	~	5,000.00	~	4,000.00	~	(7,400.00)	~	-64.91%
160	PUBLIC SAFETY INSPECTIONS	~	11,000.00	~	11,000.00	~	11,000.00	~	0.00	~	0.00%
161	INSPECTIONS TOTAL	~	70,659.00	~	64,259.00	~	63,259.00	~	(7,400.00)	~	-10.47%
~	~	~		~		~	~	~		~	~
163	ANIMAL CONTROL	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~
164	ANIMAL CONTROL SALARY	~	10,400.00	~	7,400.00	~	7,400.00	~	(3,000.00)	~	-28.85%
165	ANIMAL CONTROL EXPENSES	~	1,700.00	~	2,700.00	~	2,700.00	~	1,000.00	~	58.82%
166	ANIMAL CONTROL TOTAL	~	12,100.00	~	10,100.00	~	10,100.00	~	(2,000.00)	~	-16.53%
167	~	~		~		~	~	~		~	~
168	TOTAL PUBLIC SAFETY	~	316,688.33	~	318,293.84	~	305,455.84	~	(11,232.49)	~	-3.55%
~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~
170	HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~
~	~	~		~	~	~		~		~	~
172	HEALTH SERVICES	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~
173	INSPECTOR of ANIMALS	~	250.00	~	250.00	~	250.00	~	0.00	~	0.00%
174	SOUTH BERK. SOLID WASTE	~	6,000.00	~	6,000.00	~	6,000.00	~	0.00	~	0.00%
175	BOARD of HEALTH SALARIES	~	10,000.00	~	10,000.00	~	10,000.00	~	0.00	~	0.00%
176	BOARD of HEALTH EXPENSES	~	6,000.00	~	6,000.00	~	6,000.00	~	0.00	~	0.00%
177	HEALTH SERVICES TOTAL	~	22,250.00	~	22,250.00	~	22,250.00	~	0.00	~	0.00%
~	~	~		~		~	~	~		~	~
179	CLINICAL SERVICES	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~
180	VISITING NURSE	~	4,725.00	~	4,961.25	~	4,961.25	~	236.25	~	5.00%
181	MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES	~	541.00	~	541.00	~	541.00	~	0.00	~	0.00%
182	CLINICAL SERVICES TOTAL	~	5,266.00	~	5,502.25	~	5,502.25	~	236.25	~	4.49%
~	~	~		~		~	~	~		~	~
184	VETERAN'S SERVICES	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~
185	VETERANS AGENT SALARY	~	1,781.00	~	1,781.00	~	1,781.00	~	0.00	~	0.00%
186	VETERANS AGENT EXPENSE	~	100.00	~	100.00	~	100.00	~	0.00	~	0.00%
187	VETERANS BENEFITS	~	1,000.00	~	5,000.00	~	5,000.00	~	4,000.00	~	400.00%
188	VETERAN'S SERVICES TOTAL	~	2,881.00	~	6,881.00	~	6,881.00	~	4,000.00	~	138.84%
~	~	~		~		~	~	~		~	~
190	COUNCIL ON AGING	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~
191	COUNCIL on AGING	~	5,000.00	~	5,000.00	~	5,000.00	~	0.00	~	0.00%
192	OUT REACH PROGRAM	~	4,373.40	~	2,500.00	~	2,500.00	~	(1,873.40)	~	-42.84%
193	COUNCIL ON AGING TOTAL	~	9,373.40	~	7,500.00	~	7,500.00	~	(1,873.40)	~	-19.99%
194	~	~		~		~	~	~		~	~
195	TOTAL HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES	~	39,770.40	~	42,133.25	~	42,133.25	~	2,362.85	~	5.94%
~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~
197	RECREATION & CULTURAL	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~
198	RECREATION COMM.	~	13,121.05	~	13,121.05	~	11,500.00	~	(1,621.05)	~	-12.35%
199	PARKS COMM.	~	6,500.00	~	6,000.00	~	6,000.00	~	(500.00)	~	-7.69%
200	HISTORIC COMMISSION	~	900.00	~	900.00	~	900.00	~	0.00	~	0.00%
201	LIBRARY	~	36,500.00	~	30,000.00	~	30,000.00	~	(6,500.00)	~	-17.81%
202	MEMORIAL DAY	~	550.00	~	550.00	~	550.00	~	0.00	~	0.00%
203	ARTS CENTER	~	1,540.00	~	3,000.00	~	1,500.00	~	(40.00)	~	-2.60%
204	COMMUNITY RECREATION	~	750.00	~	750.00	~	750.00	~	0.00	~	0.00%
205	RECREATION & CULTURAL TOTAL	~	59,861.05	~	54,321.05	~	51,200.00	~	(8,661.05)	~	-14.47%
~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~
207	INSURANCE	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~
208	GENERAL INSURANCE	~	65,000.00	~	65,000.00	~	65,000.00	~	0.00	~	0.00%
209	HEALTH INSURANCE	~	220,000.00	~	233,948.00	~	233,948.00	~	13,948.00	~	6.34%
210	INSURANCE TOTAL	~	285,000.00	~	298,948.00	~	298,948.00	~	13,948.00	~	4.89%
~	~										~
212	DEBT SERVICE	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~
213	INTEREST on SHORT-TERM DEBT	~	1,500.00	~	1,500.00	~	1,500.00	~	0.00	~	0.00%
214	SHORT-TERM DEBT SERVICE TOTAL	~	1,500.00	~	1,500.00	~	1,500.00	~	0.00	~	0.00%
~	~										~
216	RETIREMENT & PAYROLL TAX	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~
217	PAYROLL TAX ACCOUNT	~	17,000.00	~	17,000.00	~	17,000.00	~	0.00	~	0.00%
218	COUNTY RETIREMENT	~	148,391.00	~	157,944.00	~	157,944.00	~	9,553.00	~	6.44%
219	RETIREMENT & PAYROLL TAX TOTAL	~	165,391.00	~	174,944.00	~	174,944.00	~	9,553.00	~	5.78%
~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~
221	RESERVE FUND	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~
222	RESERVE FUND	~	14,000.00	~	17,500.00	~	17,500.00	~	3,500.00	~	25.00%
223	RESERVE FUND TOTAL	~	14,000.00	~	17,500.00	~	17,500.00	~	3,500.00	~	25.00%
~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~	~
225	GRAND TOTAL	~	4,453,904.78	~	4,531,008.29	~	4,539,874.21	~	85,969.43	~	1.89%

Article 5 was moved and seconded on the floor. Mr. Michael Falk, Chair of the Finance Committee, was introduced and gave a report on the state of town finances. He acknowledged Tony Blair’s ability and dedication in working with the Finance Committee and the cooperation of the Selectmen. He noted that we will rebuild the Stabilization Fund in future years. A land auction will be held later this month the proceeds of which may be available as “free cash” for fiscal 2011 once certified by the Department of Revenue. The recommended FY2011 town budget will not reduce services nor will it reduce town employment; most line items are reduced or level funded. The voters must approve $219,500 in Proposition 2 ½ debt exclusions that are seen in articles 11, 12 and 15 both at tonight’s meeting and at the town election next week for the budget to be fully funded. He explained both that there will be no cost of living increases for employees and the increased cost of vocational education/transportation. Mr. Falk reiterated the need for a new ambulance as this purchase had been put off for two years. He recognized Amy Fyden’s contributions to the Finance Committee and noted that she will be leaving the Finance Committee this year.

The Moderator stated that he would not read each line item but rather, if there were to be any questions or discussion of any item, a “Hold” would be asked to be placed on that item. At the end of the process for any line items to be held, all items not having a “Hold” put on them would be voted on. Following this, all line items having a “Hold” would then be voted on separately. “Holds” were placed on the following line items:

3 - Legal Expense
65-70 - Highway
120 - Total Highway
146 - Fire Chief Stipend

175 - Board of Health Salaries

198 - Recreation Comm.

204 - Community Recreation

In response to a question, Mr. Blair explained the reorganization of the Highway Department line items so that highway department salaries would be more clearly reflected on the warrant. Following this explanation, Line items 65-70 and 120 were removed from the line items being held. The revised list of “Holds” was:

3 - Legal Expense
146 - Fire Chief Stipend

175 - Board of Health Salaries

198 - Recreation Comm.

204 - Community Recreation

After placing holds on the above line items, a vote was taken to approve all non-held line items. All line items that were not held passed unanimously.

Line Item 3 – Legal Expense. Mr. Blair explained that the increase in this line item was due to the possibility that the contractor for ice storm clean-up may sue the town because of a disagreement regarding FEMA reimbursements. A vote was taken and Line Item 3 passed unanimously.

Line Item 146 – Fire Chief Stipend. In response to a question, Tony Blair noted that all salaries would be level funded this year. A vote was taken and Line Item 146 passed unanimously.

Line Item 175 – Board of Health Salaries. Mr. Blair explained that many of the terms that say salary are actually hourly wages. A vote was taken and Line Item 175 passed unanimously.

Line Item 198 – Recreation Comm. and Line Item 204 – Community Recreation. In response to a question, Mr. Blair explained that line item 204 is for a contract with the Town of Dalton to provide the opportunity for young people in Becket to participate in the recreation facilities in Dalton. Line item 198 is the appropriation for the town’s Recreation Committee. A vote was taken and Line Items 198 and 204 passed unanimously.

Article 6: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of one dollar ($ 1.00) for the Stabilization Fund for fiscal year 2011.

Selectmen: Recommend 2/3 Vote Required

Finance Committee: Recommends

Article 6 was moved and seconded on the floor. There was no discussion. A vote was taken and the motion on Article 6 passed unanimously.

Article 7: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $256,996 to fund the bond payments due in fiscal year 2011 for the following previously debt excluded items:

Becket Washington School $110,254

Nessacus Regional Middle School $17,642

Yokum Pond Bridge Replacement $129,100

Selectmen: Recommend Majority Vote Required

Finance Committee: Recommends

Article 7 was moved by Bill Cavanaugh and seconded by John Murray. Jeremy Dunn noted that the town is obligated to pay these items. A vote was taken and the motion on Article 7 passed unanimously.

Article 8: To see if the Town will vote to accept any monies appropriated by the Massachusetts Highway Department for Chapter 90 use. These funds to be used for maintenance and reconstruction of Town roads and to fund the appropriations by transferring said amounts from available funds with any unspent funds to carry over from year to year until spent by the Town. These sums will be reimbursed to the Town by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in accordance with Chapter 90 of the Massachusetts General Laws.

Selectmen: Recommend Majority Vote Required

Finance Committee: Recommends

Article 8 was moved by Bill Cavanaugh and seconded by John Murray. There was no discussion. A vote was taken and the motion on Article 8 passed unanimously.

Article 9: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $9,500 for the ongoing repair of Municipal Buildings for fiscal year 2011.

Selectmen: Recommend Majority Vote Required

Finance Committee: Recommends

Article 9 was moved by Bill Cavanaugh and seconded by John Murray. There was no discussion. A vote was taken and the motion on Article 9 passed unanimously.

Article 10: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $60,250 for fiscal year 2011 for the purpose of providing the following:

	Requested	Finance Committee & Selectmen Recommendations
Weed Treatment for Center Pond	1,300	1,300
Radio Upgrades Fire Department	3,000	3,000
Ambulance Department Radios & Pagers	4,500	4,500
New Holland Loader Repairs	18,800	18,800
Accounting Software upgrade	18,150	18,150
Dry Hydrant Parts	7,000	7,000
Computer Hardware Upgrades	3,000	3,000
Women’s Auxiliary Children’s Party	500	500
Grant Applications	4,000	4,000
Total	60,250	60,250

Selectmen: Recommend Majority Vote Required

Finance Committee: Recommends

Article 10 was moved by Bill Cavanaugh and seconded by Jeremy Dunn. The Moderator asked for discussion on any of the line items. Mr. Gorden noted that the Weed Treatment for Center Pond should be for surveys. Mr. Blair agreed noting that the item should read “Weed Treatment for Center Pond Surveys”. Jan Elovirta asked about the loader repairs and Len Tisdale explained that the repairs would be to resolve electrical issues, battery box, tires, etc. needed so that they can get it inspected. A vote was taken and the motion on Article 10 passed unanimously.

Article 11: To see if the Town will vote to appropriate a total $50,500 to pay for a new all season stainless steel dump body for Highway Truck #2 (costing $37,000) and a new stainless steel spreader/sander for Highway Truck #6 (costing $13,500), and to fund this appropriation by borrowing $50,500 as a debt exclusion. Contingent upon favorable action on a Proposition 2 ½ debt exclusion vote on the annual town election ballot on May 15, 2010.

Selectmen: Recommend 2/3 Vote Required

Finance Committee: Recommends

The Moderator noted that there was a typographical error in the article and that it should read Truck #4 not Truck #2. Article 11 was moved by Bill Cavanaugh and seconded. Mr. Tisdale explained that it was more feasible to replace the old and rusting out truck body and spreader/sander with stainless steel. A vote was taken and the motion on Article 11 passed unanimously.

Article 12: To see if the Town will vote to appropriate up to $150,000 to pay for a new ambulance; and to fund this appropriation by borrowing up to $150,000 as a debt exclusion and authorize the Selectmen to trade in the old ambulance. Contingent upon favorable action on a Proposition 2 ½debt exclusion vote on the annual town election ballot on May 15, 2010.

Selectmen: Recommend 2/3 Vote Required

Finance Committee: Recommends

Article 12 was moved by John Murray and seconded by Bill Cavanaugh. Jim Kupernik explained that the state requires replacement of an ambulance after 5 years, but as Mr. Falk noted, the replacement was put off for a few years due to budget restrictions. Jim noted that the winter ice and snow are very hard on the ambulance and a replacement is now needed. A vote was taken and the motion on Article 12 passed unanimously.

Article 13: To see if the Town will vote to accept as gifts the following parcels of land, declare them as surplus and authorize the Treasurer to sell these parcels at auction or through sealed bid sales, at her discretion:

A: (Map 219,Lot 150) from Paul Menard, 1184 Crane Road Dalton, MA01270-9606, described as follows:(1.74 acres), located on Pine Dale Circle. Recorded at the Berkshire Middle District Registry of Deeds in Book 2082, Page 34.

B: (Map 216, Lot 187) from Kathy Sullivan, 810 Bellevue Road, #104, Nashville, TN37221, described as follows:(0.46 acres), located on Black Arrow Way. Recorded at the Berkshire Middle District Registry of Deeds in Book 1484, Page 628.

C: (Map 217, Lot 64) from Peter Piper, 51 North Shore Road, Gray, ME04039, described as follows:(0.25 acres), located on Sir Galahad Drive. Recorded at the Berkshire Middle Registry of Deeds in Book 1362, Page 869.

D: (Map 213, Lot 133) from John & Suzanne Whalen, 189 Paul Hill Road, Somers, CT06071, described as follows:(0.74 acres), located on Long Bow Lane East. Recorded at the Berkshire Middle Registry of Deeds in Book 1017, Page 987.

E: (Map 203, Lot 18.0) from PRPSA Ventures, LLC, 2465 Black Rock Turnpike, Fairfield, CT06825, described as follows: Parcel B, (3,115± sq. ft.), located on Leonhardt Road. Recorded at the Berkshire Middle Land Court Registry District in Land Court Survey Plan 3793J

Selectmen: Recommend Majority Vote Required

Finance Committee: Recommends

Article 13 was moved by George Fuller and seconded by Bill Cavanaugh. There was a brief discussion about whether there was any liability with the town accepting the parcels. A vote was taken and the motion on Article 13 passed unanimously.

Article 14: To see if the Town will vote to declare the following list of donated properties as surplus and direct the Treasurer to sell these parcels at auction:

Map/Lot	Acreage	Location		Deed Book	Deed Page

213/110	0.73	Silver Leaf Dr		2614		244
213/127	0.51	Silver Leaf Dr		2703		526
215/48	0.51	Blacksmiths Path		3479		74
215/70	0.26	Robin Hood Lane		3543		37
216/7	0.49	Olde Carriage Rd		1541		919
216/33	0.76	Prince Paul Path		3102		116
216/43	0.27	Castle Lane		1710		912
216/48	0.27	Castle Lane		1636		1004
216/64	0.63	Brandons Way		3543		28
216/231	0.55	Plow Rd		3543		25
216/268	0.27	King Richard Dr		4066		151
216/548	0.39	Friar Tuck Dr		3289		78
217/171	0.69	Friar Tuck Dr		4221		104
217/227	0.41	King Richard Dr		2848		102
218/10	0.60	Quill Lane		3127		340
218/46	0.35	Nottingham Cir		3803		234
219/7	0.30	Sir Walter Rd		4204		147
219/12	0.33	Sir Walter Ct		1647		1012
219/119	0.34	Lady of the Lake Ct	4072		48
219/172	0.36	Mountain Dale Cir		1995		258

Selectmen: Recommend Majority Vote Required

Finance Committee: Recommends

Article 14 was moved by Bill Cavanaugh and seconded. There was no discussion. A vote was taken and the motion on Article 14 passed unanimously.

Article 15: To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Selectmen to take land in Jacob’s Well for the sum of $19,000 in the form of a uncontested taking from the owners, Nancy Engel-Schrank and Daniel Schrank, of 51 Commonwealth Road, Rochester, NY, 14618, des-cribed as follows: (Map 213, Lot 32.22, 2.0 acres, assessed value for 2010 at $32,000), located on Jacob’s Well Lane, recorded in the Berk-shire Middle Registry of Deeds in Book 1289, Page 356, and to fund this appropriation by borrowing $19,000 over a period of two years as a debt exclusion. Contingent upon favorable action on a Proposition 2 ½ debt exclusion vote on the annual town election ballot on May 15, 2010.

Selectmen: Recommend 2/3 Vote Required

Finance Committee: Recommends

Article 15 was moved by Bill Cavanaugh and seconded. Mr. Blair explained that this would allow the town to take the sole remaining lot in the Jacob’s Well subdivision for $19,000 (it is assessed at $32,000) and allow the town to plan for the use of this 93 acre parcel as one piece of land. In response to a question from Ms. Swindlehurst, Mr. Blair stated that if we did this as an open space acquisition and some time in the future we wanted to use the property for a different purpose, such as development of housing, we may have a problem with its designation as open space. He noted that the entire parcel may be eligible for technical assistance grants for affordable development of rental housing. Ms. Swindlehurst stated that in the future the town should consider using CPA funds for open land. Mr. Toomey noted that you cannot use CPA funds for any open space; it has to be a planned project before the CPA Committee can approve that kind of appropriation. In response to a question, it was noted that some of the property being discussed is wetlands. A vote was taken and the motion on Article 15 passed unanimously.

Article 16: To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Selectmen to enter into easement agreements with landowners for the purposes of installing and maintaining dry hydrants in various locations in the Town.

Selectmen: Recommend 2/3 Vote Required

Finance Committee: Recommends

Article 16 was moved by Bill Cavanaugh and seconded by George Fuller. It was noted that a dry hydrant is fixed near a body of water and is an unpressurized hydrant. A vote was taken and the motion on Article 16 passed unanimously.

Article 17: ZONING ARTICLE: To see if the Town will vote to amend the Town of Becket Zoning By-Laws by adding a new § 6.6 entitled Large-Scale Ground-Mounted Solar Photovoltaic Installation, as summarized below and as on file in the office of the Town Clerk and on the Town website at www.townofbecket.org.

This bylaw is designed to allow landowners in Becket to generate electricity on a scale that is larger than just on-site use, and to connect the solar panels to the electrical grid. Adoption of this bylaw will allow the Town to meet one of the criteria for designation as a Green Community.
This bylaw will allow the installation of Large Scale Ground Mounted Solar Photovoltaic Installations (“LSGMSPI”) on any parcel of 4 or more acres in Becket.
These installations would be allowed by-right, with siteplan review by the Zoning Board of Appeals.
To qualify as an LSGMSPI, the site would need to be large enough to generate at least 250 kW DC, which is typically about 1 acre of actual panels.
There must be confirmation from the utility company that the site can and will be connected to the grid.
The closest any panel can be to any property line is 50 feet.
The owner/operator is required to provide a financial surety to the Town to cover the cost of removal of the installation.

Selectmen: Recommend 2/3 Vote Required

Planning Board: Recommends

Article 17 was moved on the floor and seconded by Bill Cavanaugh. The Moderator recognized Ann Krawet to present the report of the Planning Board on the proposed changes to the zoning bylaws in articles 17, 18 and 19. Ms. Krawet reported that a hearing on the proposed changes to the Becket Zoning By-Laws was properly posted and advertised and the Planning Board met in a public hearing on April 28, 2010, to discuss them. The three bylaw amendments for 1) Large-Scale Ground-Mounted Solar Photovoltaic Installations, 2) Accessory Apartments and 3) Wireless Communications, were discussed and slightly modified at the meeting and the Planning Board voted unanimously to endorse the proposed changes to these bylaws. Discussion followed on Article 17. Ms. Swindlehurst asked that it be entered into the record that she will recuse herself from either commenting or voting on article 17 because her son’s business is involved in solar installations. In response to a question from Mr. Gorden, Mr. Blair explained that articles 17 and 27 are prerequisites for the town to be designated as a Green Community. The other requirements are that we have an expedited permitting process which we have with our site plan review bylaw and it also requires that we adopt a policy to purchase fuel efficient vehicles in the future and requires that we be able to show how we intend to reduce municipal energy usage by 20% over the next five years. If we receive the designation as a Green Community, the town would be eligible to apply for grants from the Green Community Fund of the state for energy conservation, alternative energy and related purposes. Mr. Blair explained other measures being taken so that we can receive the designation. There was a discussion about possible amendments to this proposed bylaw, an explanation of “by right” and the right of a property owner to on-site installation of solar panels. Gale LaBelle, Chair of the Planning Board, noted that this bylaw is part of the Green communities’ initiative. There was a lengthy discussion about the proposed setbacks, ways to avoid clear cutting, possibly increasing the acreage needed, and the need for site plan review prior to installation. A vote was taken and the motion on Article 17 passed unanimously.

Article 18: ZONING ARTICLE: To see if the Town will vote to amend the Town of Becket Zoning By-Laws by adding a new §3.2.3.6 entitled Accessory Apartments and amending §3.1.3 Table of Use Regulations, Accessory Uses accordingly, as summarized below and as on file in the office of the Town Clerk and on the Town website at www.townofbecket.org.

The proposed bylaw will allow a homeowner to create a small accessory apartment within a main dwelling.
This apartment will be a separate dwelling unit, but the bylaw does not require the lot to be twice the minimum lot size, as is required for a 2 family house.
The apartment can be no smaller than 300 square feet, no larger than of the net floor area of the dwelling and have a maximum size of 800 square feet.
The only exterior change to the building allowed would be an exterior entrance porch, stairs or landing.
Only one accessory apartment is allowed in a dwelling, and the owner has to remain an occupant of either the main house or the apartment as a primary residence.
Accessory apartments may not be used for seasonal rental, but can be rented year-round.
One parking space is required for the apartment.
An accessory apartment is allowed by-right, but before it can be used, whether new construction is required or not, the owner of the residence must obtain a Certificate of Occupancy for the Accessory Apartment from the Building Inspector.
The Table of Uses will be amended to include this new Accessory Apartment use.

Selectmen: Recommend 2/3 Vote Required

Planning Board: Recommends

Article 18 was moved by Bill Cavanaugh and seconded. Ms. LaBelle reviewed the proposed Accessory Apartments bylaw. There was discussion about necessary fire codes, the need for a Certificate of Occupancy for the Accessory Apartment and how the bylaw would be enforced. A vote was taken and the motion on Article 18 passed unanimously.

Article 19: ZONING ARTICLE: To see if the Town will vote to amend the Town of Becket Zoning By-Laws §6.4 Wireless Communications, subsection 6.4.12 Conditions of Use, by adding a new paragraph “4” as follows, and as on file in the office of the Town Clerk and on the Town website at www.townofbecket.org.

4. Accommodation of Emergency Communications.

a. An applicant who seeks to site a wireless communications facility on a new structure must first provide the chiefs of the Town of Becket’s emergency services (police, fire, ambulance, highway, emergency coordinator and emergency dispatch) with a copy of the plans for the proposed new structure. Providing six additional sets of the information required under § 6.4.9 (1) of the Bylaw to the chairperson of the Planning Board will be sufficient to meet this requirement.

b. The new wireless communications structure must reserve adequate space to allow for the mounting and connection of one or more antennas for the use of these emergency services to the structure and adequate space in the wireless communication building to allow for the necessary equipment to serve the(se) antenna(s).

c. It shall be the sole responsibility of the chiefs of the emergency services to determine and communicate to the applicant what, if any, emergency communications needs exist now and in the future. The applicant and its licensed professional engineer shall assist the chiefs in determining how antennas mounted on the proposed new structure can serve those needs.

d. Any space on the structure and in the wireless communication building shall be provided to the Town of Becket at no cost.

Selectmen: Recommend 2/3 Vote Required

Planning Board: Recommends

Article 19 was moved by Bill Cavanaugh and seconded. Ms. LaBelle reviewed and explained the proposed bylaw change to add a new subsection “Accommodation of Emergency Communications” noting that space would be provided at no cost. Bill Elovirta stated that this was at the urging of the Fire Chief and Police Chief so that they would have emergency communications availability. Tony Blair explained that the space is provided for free but there may be some cost to the town for installing antennas. Mr. Hall spoke in support of the article. There was further discussion about the need for installing antennas for emergency communication. Mr. Blair stated that the general bylaw on wireless communications requires liability coverage on the part of the company that has installed the antennas. A vote was taken and the motion on Article 19 passed unanimously.

Article 20: To see if the Town will vote to appropriate or reserve from the Community Preservation annual revenues in the amounts recommended by the Community Preservation Committee for committee administrative expenses, community preservation projects and other expenses in fiscal year 2011, with each item to be considered a separate appropriation:

Appropriations:

From FY 2011 estimated revenues to Committee Administrative Expenses $2,165

Reserves:

From FY 2011 estimated revenues to Historical Resources Reserve $4,330

From FY 2011 estimated revenues to Community Housing Reserve 4,330

From FY 2011 estimated revenues to Open Space Reserve 4,330

From FY 2011 estimated revenues to Budgeted Reserve 28,145

Sponsored by the Community Preservation Committee

Selectmen: Recommend Majority Vote Required

Finance Committee: Recommends

CPA Committee: Recommends

Article 20 was moved and seconded on the floor. Neil Toomey gave a presentation for the Community Preservation Committee and reported that the Becket CPC has three proposed projects this year as noted in Articles 21, 22 and 23. Discussion followed. Mr. Toomey noted that we will have approximately $3,500 left over after funding these projects and we bring in about $43,000 each year. A vote was taken and the motion on Article 20 passed.

Article 21: To see if the Town will vote to transfer $4,000 from the Historic Resources Reserves of the Community Preservation Fund and $21,000 from the undesignated Budgeted Reserves of the Community Preservation Fund to partially fund Phase II of the Mullen House Restoration Project; said funds to be expended under the direction of the Community Preservation Committee and the Mullen House Board of Directors.

Selectmen: Recommend Majority Vote Required

Finance Committee: Recommends

CPA Committee: Recommends

Article 21 was moved and seconded on the floor. Mrs. Furlong reported on the Mullen House project. They plan to add insulation, work on the front to repair the porch, add windows and replace or restore the siding. A vote was taken and the motion on Article 21 passed.

Article 22: To see if the Town will vote to transfer $4,000 from the Open Space Reserves of the Community Preservation Fund and $4,000 from the undesignated Budgeted Reserves to partially fund the acquisition of land between the Town owned Mullen House Education Center and the Town owned Shaker Mill Brook Ravine; said funds to be expended under the direction of the Community Preservation Committee and the Becket Land Trust.

Selectmen: Recommend Majority Vote Required

Finance Committee: Recommends

CPA Committee: Recommends

Mr. Smith was called on to make a substitute main motion as follows: “To see if the Town will vote to transfer $8,000 from the undesignated Budgeted Reserves of the Community Preservation Fund to partially fund the acquisition of land between the Town owned Mullen House Education Center and the Town owned Shaker Mill Brook Ravine for conservation and passive recreation. A deed restriction will be placed on the acquired property. Said funds to be expended under the direction of the Community Preservation Committee and the Becket Land Trust.” The motion was seconded. There was a question about liability if the town acquired this property. The Moderator stated that if a community offers a place for recreation and it does not charge for access to that area, the town can’t be held liable. Mr. Smith explained that this article is to acquire a pathway from the Mullen House to the ravine. A vote was taken and the motion on Article 22 passed unanimously.

Article 23: To see if the Town will vote to ~~raise and~~ appropriate a total of $5,500 from the undesignated Budgeted Reserves of the Community Preservation Fund to preserve Center Pond by partially funding the removal of four invasive weeds by the Center Pond Weed-Pulling Demonstration Project. Funds to be expended over the next three years under the direction of the Community Preservation Committee and the Center Pond Weed-Pulling Demonstration Project Director.

Selectmen: Recommend Majority Vote Required

Finance Committee: Recommends

CPA Committee: Recommends

The Moderator noted a typographical error in the first line and that the words “raise and” should be deleted. Article 23 was moved and seconded on the floor. Mr. Cavanaugh explained the hand pulling project on Center Pond. A vote was taken and the motion on Article 23 passed unanimously.

Article 24: To see if the Town will vote to change the composition of the Board of Selectmen from a three member Board to a five member Board.

This article is contingent on the passing of a ballot question at the Annual Town election. Legislative action is also required to effect this change.

Selectmen: Do Not Recommend Majority Vote Required

Finance Committee: Does Not Recommend

Article 24 was moved by Bill Cavanaugh and seconded by John Murray. The original proponent of the motion was not in attendance due to illness. Bill Cavanaugh began the discussion and spoke in support of keeping the 3-member board. Mr. Falk noted that the Finance Committee did not recommend this article. Discussion followed in support of and opposition to the article. A vote was taken and the motion on Article 24 failed.

Article 25: To see if the Town will vote to have its elected Town Clerk become an appointed Town Clerk in accordance with Chapter 41, Section 1B of the Massachusetts General Laws. If approved and an office or board becomes appointed, an incumbent serving at the time of voter acceptance continues to serve until the remainder of their term expires. If a person is elected to the position or board at the same time the change to an appointed status occurs, the newly elected office holder serves until an appointment is made.

This article is contingent on the passing of a ballot question at the Annual Town election. Legislative action is also required to effect this change.

Selectmen: Recommend Majority Vote Required

Finance Committee: Recommends

Article 25 was moved and seconded on the floor. Mr. Blair began the discussion and spoke in support of changing the Town Clerk position from elected to appointed. Mrs. Pryor spoke in support of keeping the Town Clerk an elected position. In response to a question, Mr. Blair noted that anyone in the Town Clerk position would have access to town counsel and the town administrator for advice. Mrs. Pryor explained that the Town Clerk has a network of support from other town clerks and from those state offices to which the Town Clerk must report. Discussion followed about residency requirements and in support of and opposition to the article. A vote was called for, a hand count taken and the motion on Article 25 failed.

Article 26: To see of the Town will vote to withdraw from participation in the Berkshire County Mosquito Control Project, established under Chapter 456 of the Acts of 1945, effective July 1, 2010.

Selectmen: Recommend Majority Vote Required

Finance Committee: Recommends

Article 26 was moved and seconded on the floor. Mr. Cavanaugh began the discussion noting that the cost to the town of the Mosquito Control Project was the main reason for putting this article on the warrant for a town meeting vote. Mr. Blair noted that research was done with the State Board of Health who considers all of western Massachusetts as having a remote risk for disease, such as west nile virus, through mosquito transmission. A Commissioner from Berkshire Mosquito Control addressed the meeting. Discussion followed on the negative effects of the use of pesticides, the impact on children at camps if mosquitoes are not controlled, and other reasons for supporting or opposing this article. Steve Rosenthal made a motion to call the question and there was a second. The Moderator noted that a 2/3 vote was needed. A vote was taken and the motion passed unanimously. A vote on Article 26 was called for, a hand count taken and the motion on Article 26 passed.

Article 27: To see if the Town will vote to enact a new “Article 21” of the Town of Becket General Bylaws, entitled “Stretch Energy Code” for the purpose of regulating the design and construction of buildings for the effective use of energy, pursuant to Appendix 120 AA of the Massachusetts Building Code, 780 CMR, the “Stretch Energy Code”, including amendments or modifications thereto, as summarized below and as on file in the office of the Town Clerk and on the Town website at www.townofbecket.org.

§ 21-1 Definitions

International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) 2009 - The International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) is a building code created by the International Code Council. It is a model code adopted by many state and municipal governments in the United States for the establishment of minimum design and construction requirements for energy efficiency. Commencing July 1, 2010, the baseline energy conservation requirements of the MA State Building Code will default to IECC 2009 and MA amendments.

Stretch Energy Code - Codified by the Board of Building Regulations and Standards as 780 CMR Appendix 120 AA, the Stretch Energy Code is the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) 2009 with amendments contained herein.

§ 21-2 Purpose

The purpose of 780 CMR 120.AA is to provide a more energy efficient alternative to the base energy code applicable to the relevant sections of the building code for both new construction and existing buildings.

§21-3 Applicability

This code applies to residential and commercial buildings. Buildings not included in this scope shall comply with 780 CMR 13, 34, 61, or 93, as applicable.

§ 21-4 Authority

A municipality seeking to ensure that construction within its boundaries is designed and built above the energy efficiency requirements of 780 CMR may mandate adherence to this appendix. 780 CMR 120 AA may be adopted or rescinded by any municipality in the commonwealth in the manner prescribed by law.

§ 21-5 Stretch Code

The Stretch Code, as codified by the Board of Building Regulations and Standards as 780 CMR Appendix 120 AA, including any amendments or modifications, is herein incorporated by reference into the Town of Becket General Bylaws, Chapter 21 .

The Stretch Code is enforceable by the building inspector/municipal code official.

Selectmen: Recommend Majority Vote Required

Finance Committee: Recommends

Article 27 was moved and seconded on the floor. Mr. Blair noted that this is the second of two articles on the warrant that are required for the town to become eligible to become a Green Community. Peggy McCloud of the Center for Ecological Technology noted that they were on a team with the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission to provide technical support to the towns that requested a technical assistance grant from the DOER. She gave a presentation about the Stretch Energy Code. Discussion followed about the costs involved and in support of and opposition to the article. Mr. Elovirta made a motion to move the question and there was a second. The Moderator noted that a 2/3 vote was needed. A vote was taken and the motion passed by a 2/3 vote. A vote on Article 27 was taken and the motion on Article 27 passed.

Article 28: To see if the Town will vote to accept the provisions of Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 32B, Section 20, to establish a separate fund, to be known as an “Other Post Employment Benefits Liability Trust Fund”.

Selectmen: Recommend Majority Vote Required

Finance Committee: Recommends

Article 28 was moved and seconded on the floor. Mr. Blair explained that state law will require the town to fund its future pension and other benefits for retirees over time. Approval of this article will allow the town to create a fund into which we can gradually add funds. A vote was taken and the motion on Article 28 passed.

Article 29: To see if the Town will vote to enter into immediate discussions with other Western Massachusetts municipalities with the intent of entering an inter-municipal agreement, by and through the Select Board, pursuant to Chapter 40, Section 4A of the Massachusetts General Laws, for the purpose of establishing a universal, open access, financially self-sustaining communication system for the provision of broadband service, including high-speed Internet access, telephone and cable television to the residents, businesses and institutions of these municipalities.

Selectmen: Recommend Majority Vote Required

Finance Committee: Recommends

Article 29 was moved and seconded on the floor. Mr. Blair explained that a regional group, “Wired West,” asked to have this item placed on the warrant to allow the Town to participate in discussions about providing high speed internet to the Town. A vote was taken and the motion on Article 29 passed unanimously.

Article 30: To see if the town will vote to authorize a Renovation Committee appointed by the Becket Athenaeum Board of Trustees to apply for a state Library Improvement Program-Public Library Construction Grant, for the purpose of renovations to the Becket Athenaeum such that the historic character and integrity of the existing building are preserved.

Selectmen: Recommend Majority Vote Required

Finance Committee: Recommends

Article 30 was moved and seconded on the floor. Steve Schatz, Becket Athenaeum Board of Trustees, noted that there is a large pool of grant money that is for re-building libraries and there is a requirement that the town agrees that it is ok for the library to apply for the grant. No town funds will be required if they get the grant. A vote was taken and the motion on Article 30 passed unanimously.

It was moved and seconded that the meeting adjourn to the Annual Town Election which will be held one week from today on May 15, 2010, starting at 10:00 a.m. A vote was taken and the motion passed. The meeting adjourned at 10:30 p.m. The checkers were Election Workers Eva Bonney and Joyce Brownhill.

Respectfully submitted,

Jeanne W. Pryor, CMMC

Town Clerk

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