May 4, 2020

“Motion was made by Selectman Kimberly Conway, Seconded by Sel. Rosa to approve the minutes of April 23, 2020 with corrections offered. Roll Call Vote: Sel. Burns yes Sel. Conway yes Sel. Deslaurier yes Sel. Giroux yes Sel. Rosa yes.” (Motion: Conway, second: Rosa)

Read it in the official minutes, page 2 (PDF)

“A motion was made by Selectman Kimberly Conway and seconded by Sel. Rosa to approve the Billerica Adventure Series signs, either (4) four standard signs or one (1) 4 foot by 3 foot would be placed on the Town Common. Roll Call Vote: Sel. Burns yes Sel. Conway yes Sel. Deslaurier yes Sel. Giroux yes Sel. Rosa yes Roll Call Vote.” (Motion: Conway, second: Rosa)

Read it in the official minutes, page 5 (PDF)

“A motion was made by Selectman Kimberly Conway and seconded by Sel. Burns to accept donation of sign by Richard Tortolla and instruct the Parks and Trees Department to install it on the Town Common. Roll Call Vote: Sel. Burns yes Sel. Conway yes Sel. Deslaurier yes Sel. Giroux yes Sel. Rosa yes.” (Motion: Conway, second: Burns)

Read it in the official minutes, page 5 (PDF)

“Motion by Selectman Kimberly Conway seconded by Sel. Burns to support Article 35- petitioners article; seconded by Sel. Burns Selectman Rosa - "No" Selectman Burns - "No" Selectman Conway - "Yes" Selectman Deslaurier - "Yes" Selectman Giroux - "Yes" Roll Call 3-2 Motion by Selectman Kimberly Conway, seconded by Sel. Rosa to vote to support Article 36 - Petitioners Article Selectman Rosa - "No" Selectman Burns - "No" Selectman Conway - "Yes" Selectman Deslaurier - "No" Selectman Giroux - "No" Roll Call 1-4 CPC Article Thomas Talbot Masonic Lodge Discussion amongst members ensued regarding if the Assessors presentation is ready. Chief Assessor Rich Scanlon mentions they are getting close to selling the Masonic Lodge property to another party. The CPC had a unanimous vote to support the Article. Historic District Commission would like to consider purchasing the property. Assessor Scanlon said he would like to get a sense from the Board as if they wish to continue to pursue this property. Property has been appraised and that's the number were working with, we are negotiating for a lower price. The Masons have concerns that Town Meeting won't happen until fall. Town Counsel opinion that the Town could only pay up to the appraisal amount. It was suggested that another appraisal could be done. There are currently 3 (three) offers on the property Warrant Article asks for $800,000 with the residual to go to maintain and first year payments. Town Manager John Curran said he understands there were some religious entities interested in the property. He does not feel another appraisal is necessary, the building has structural issues and we have no immediate use for the property. He felt a structural engineer should look at the building. Mr. Scanlon agreed, and felt the CPC could pay for the engineering cost. He felt that given the structure is over 100 (one hundred) years old that repairs would be needed. Selectman Deslaurier asked when the property came on the market. He was informed it was the fall of 2019. Mr. Scanlon reported that in the fall of 2019 Mr. Curran was informed that the property was being sold. He was however not interested. Selectman Deslaurier asked if we knew the purchase prior or the associated costs. Mr. Scanlon stated we did not have that but the CPC voted unanimously to approve the warrant article in March of 2020..” (Motion: Conway, second: Burns)

Read it in the official minutes, page 7 (PDF)

“Warrant Article Article 4 - IUPE Contract >3 (three) year contract FY21-F Y23 >COLA: 2.3% FY21 2.1% FY22 2.1% FY23 >S (five) positions have been reclassified >Probationary periods have been extended from 90-180 days Article § IAFF - Firefighters Contract >3 (three) year contract FY21-FY23 >COLA: 2.3% FY21 2.1% FY22 2.1% FY23 >Upgraded Fire Watch Duty >Changes in educational incentive >changes in special assignment pay Article 6 SEIU - Management Contract >3 (three) year contract FY21-FY23 >8 positions have been reclassified >Added engines to the union >Language change >Longevity would be prorated >COLA: 2.3% FY21 2.1% FY22 2.1% FY23 >Deleted flex time for building department >Probationary period extended from 90-180 days Article 7 IAFF - Civilian Dispatch Contract >3 (three) year contract FY21-FY23 >COLA: 2.3% FY21 2.1% FY22 2.1% FY23 >Language changes Motion by Selectman Conway to recommend Article 4 Collective Bargaining Agreement for IUPE Clerical Union, seconded by Selectman Rosa. Roll Call Vote: Sel. Burns yes Sel. Conway yes Sel. Deslaurier yes Sel. Giroux yes Sel. Rosa yes.” (Motion: Conway, second: Rosa)

Read it in the official minutes, page 11 (PDF)