Present:            Nicholas A. Hay, John F. Fairbanks

Absent:             Thomas P. O’Toole

CALL TO ORDER

Mr. Hay called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. at the Town Hall.

APPROVAL OF WARRANTS/MINUTES

Mr. Fairbanks moved that the Board approve the regular session minutes of October 29 and November 19, 2008, as printed.  Mr. Hay seconded the motion.  The motion passed unanimously.

The following warrants were reviewed and approved:

November 24, 2008                   Accounts Payable                     $   125,597.94

Payroll                                      $   150,766.00

November 25, 2008                   Deductions                                $   100,515.12

December 1, 2008                     Accounts Payable                     $1,092,387.54

December 9, 2008                     Accounts Payable                     $      61,734.17

Payroll                                      $    254,956.69

Deductions                                $    125,951.60

250TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

Chairman of the 250th Anniversary Committee Lorraine Emerson was on hand to unveil a sample of the 250th Anniversary Banner.  She explained that the sponsorship fee for a banner is $500.

She also reminded everyone that the 250th Kick-off celebration was being held on Wednesday, December 31st at Wachusett Mountain Ski Area.

PAYROLL CHANGE REQUEST

Mr. Fairbanks moved that the Board approve a Highway Department payroll change request for a step increase, and two Police Department step increases.  Mr. Hay seconded the motion.  The motion passed unanimously.

LAND DONATION

Mr. Fairbanks moved that the Board vote to accept and sign a deed for Oakmont Avenue property donated by Mark and Theresa Morin.  Mr. Hay seconded the motion.  The motion passed unanimously.

TAX CLASSIFICATION HEARING

Mr. Hay announced that “Notice is hereby given that the Westminster Board of Selectmen will hold a public hearing at the Selectmen’s Office, Town Hall, 11 South Street, Westminster, MA  01473, on Wednesday, December 10, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. for the purpose of determining a residential factor and the allocation of the local property tax among the five classes of property for fiscal year 2009.  These classes are residential, open space, commercial, industrial and personal property.  All residents and interested taxpayers are invited to attend and express their views or to submit comments in writing prior to the hearing”.

The Board of Assessors recommended the Board of Selectmen adopt a factor of one for tax classifications.

Mr. Hay moved that the Board adopt a factor of one for tax classifications.  Mr. Fairbanks seconded the motion.  The motion passed unanimously.

TREASURER/COLLECTOR BORROWING

Treasurer/Collector Melody Gallant requested the Board approve a Chapter 90 interfund borrowing for the Battles Road Bridge Reconstruction in the amount of $194,750 and Rubber Wheel Excavator for $1,774 for a total of $196,494.

Mrs. Gallant also requested the approval of a Chapter 90 State Aid Anticipation Note for $214,250 with Bank of Western MA with an interest rate of 3.04%.  She further explained that this note is for Battles Road Construction Administration in the amount of $40,000 and Battles Road Construction in the amount of $174,250.

Mr. Fairbanks moved that the Board approve the borrowing requested by the Treasurer/Collector in the amounts of $196,494 and $214,250.  Mr. Hay seconded the motion.  The motion passed unanimously.

MUNICIPAL PERMITTING DESIGNEE

Mr. Fairbanks moved that the Board appoint the position of DPW Director as the Town’s trench permitting authority in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 82A, Section 2.  Mr. Hay seconded the motion.  The motion passed unanimously.

SURPLUS PROPERTY DISPOSAL

Mr. Fairbanks moved that the Board approve Chief MacAloney’s request to dispose of the following:  One Simplex Model 4005 Fire Alarm Panel and related items designed for training, One Simplex Model 4100 Fire Alarm Panel and related items designed for training, One Midland Low-band base radio Model 70-052A and related equipment.  Mr. Hay seconded the motion.  The motion passed unanimously.

RETIREMENT

Mr. Hay acknowledged the retirement of DPW employee Gary Green after more than forty years of service.

DPW PAVEMENT MANAGEMENT PLAN

DPW Director Joshua Hall met with the Board to discuss his proposed Pavement Management Plan.  He indicated that the Town’s roadways are in fairly good shape having an average score of 69 out of a possible 100.  He recommended a 10 year $10 million dollar funding or $1 million dollars per year.  This would allow the roads to continue to be in good shape.  He said the goal was to get the road to a point where they only required maintenance.

The Board asked Treasurer/Collector Melody Gallant to research other financing options for funding the plan.

BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING

The Board agreed to add January 7, 2009 to their current meeting schedule.

8:37 P.M. ADJOURNMENT

Mr. Fairbanks moved that the Board adjourn.  Mr. Hay seconded the motion.  The motion passed unanimously.

Respectfully submitted,

John F. Fairbanks, Clerk

(Prepared by B. Kazan)