The selectmen met for the first time since the annual election on Monday night. The first order of business was reorganization and by identical 5 to 0 votes, the board chose Ralph Patuto as chairman and Walter Zenkin as vice chairman.
It was a busy meeting as the board dealt with a number of agenda items.
Town administrator Robert Mercier presented the board with a capital spending plan that covered each of the department and building needs projected over a ten year period. The total of that capital wish list would reach 100 million dollars if every project was implemented.
Mr. Mercier also announced that Burlington’s pension costs for this fiscal year were going to show a less than 1% increase to $6,113,755, however he cautioned that next year would reflect the current market turmoil.
The B-line bus service was the subject of much debate as the service has been cut down to 2 buses during this fiscal year. The cut became necessary when fuel costs ate up a sizable portion of the appropriation. The recommended amount this year was 166 thousand dollars to fund the new schedule for two buses however after much discussion regarding adding back the third bus, selectmen Gianino amended the motion back to last years appropriation of 216 thousand dollars to present to town meeting. Since the estimates for this years service seemed to be based on $4.80 per gallon fuel cost, whether or not a lower cost would will add back a third bus will be determined later.
Police Chief Hart was before the board for a public hearing speaking about a second alcohol violation by the Ginger Pad restaurant. The chief reported that the enforcement program includes two under age people working with the department who attempt to buy alcohol. On March 12 the 18 year old male entered the restaurant and ordered a beer and was served with out being carded.
Manager Michael Halciotis said the server admitted the violation when officers identified the buyer. Chairman Patuto explained his displeasure over the incident in particular that the establishment had two violations in such a short period of time since opening. The management of the firm said that the server had been terminated immediately and that they were ashamed and embarrassed by the incident. Selectman Gianino pointed out that termination of the employee may not always be the best solution particularly in this type of an economy. Perhaps management should bear some of the responsibility as well.
The board imposed a three day license suspension commencing next Monday.
Next up was a long list of warrant articles presented by Mr. Mercier that included a number of multi year programs that are be proposed for completion this year.
Fifty one thousand was approved for the second year of the police radio program, 20 thousand dollars for the semi annual mandated leak detection program and 60k for the sidewalk along the Bedford street side of the town common
Self funded articles included the cemetery road work funded from the sale of graves account, 20k for odor control from sewer enterprise, and parking lot repaving at the Ice Palace from the Ice Palace enterprise fund. Two large equipment purchases were approved, a new ambulance for the fire department at $216,000 and a new street sweeper for DPW at $166,000, replacing the current 15 year old model..
The 1.5 million dollar bonded appropriation to complete the water meter automation program sparked a great deal of discussion. DPW superintendent John Sanchez explained that the town cannot account for 20% of the 1.2 billion gallons that it pumps and that the new system would completely automate the meter reading system and replace antiquated meters. A 10% loss of production in a system is considered normal. Mr. Sanchez explained that at approximately $4000 per 1 million gallons, nearly 400,000 could be recovered annually from the program resulting in a 9 year payback.
The meters would be read electronically from DPW headquarters and would eliminate the need for manual reading. Chairman Patuto and selectman Gianino questioned whether or not the program might be delayed so that the 1.5 million in bonding authorization might be used elsewhere. Selectwoman Rollins and Mr. Mercier explained the need to complete the appropriation this year so the program could begin to be implemented in July. After much discussion the article was approved.
All of these recommendations will now go on to the Ways and Means committee for their consideration and recommendation to the annual town meeting.
