June 24, 2024

“Mr. Handler moved to approve the appointment of Adam Hutton to Deputy Police Chief, effective July 3, 2024, as recommended by Chief Guillemette. Seconded by Mr. Howell. Vote: 5:0 in favor. Motion carried.” (Motion: Handler, second: Howell)

Read it in the official minutes, page 3 (PDF)

“Mr. Handler moved to approve the appointment of Amy Walinski to Lieutenant, effective July 3, 2024, as recommended by Chief Guillemette. Seconded by Mr. Howell. Vote: 5:0 in favor. Motion carried.” (Motion: Handler, second: Howell)

Read it in the official minutes, page 3 (PDF)

“Mr. MacAskill moved to approve a fee increase for the Community Center Fitness Room monthly rate as recommended by the Community Center Director. Seconded by Mr. Handler. Vote: 5:0 in favor. Motion carried.” (Motion: MacAskill, second: Handler)

Read it in the official minutes, page 4 (PDF)

“Mr. Handler moved to approve an Interdepartmental transfer per M.G.L. Chapter 44, Section 33B (b) as presented in the packet. Seconded by Mr. MacAskill. Mr. MacAskill brought back for follow up, Legal Services. It states that $8,000 was used for an eminent domain taking. He asked which eminent domain taking it is referring to. Ms. Eldridge responded that it is the Judah Eldredge property. Mr. MacAskill noted that the fees were set aside from Administrative fees, from CPC for that project. He asked Ms. Eldredge to look into that item. He also noted that he would like to bring back as a topic, the audit at the DPW, that was a $4,000 expense. He commented that nothing alarming was found in that audit but there was information provided to the Board related to some voided transactions and home accounts. The only thing they got done from that audit was raise CND and MSW rates. Concerns were raised at that time and they have not seen anything else from that audit. Ms. Kavanagh will bring the adit back as an agenda item. Mr. Handler noted that it would be very beneficial for him, to have more information on what exactly the $4,000 charge was from Legal for a review of an unusual Freedom of Information Act request. He would also like to know how much time was put into the Dog Hearing for $4,000. Ms. Eldredge will forward Legal's bills over the last 12 months to the Board members. Mr. Howell commented that the Cape Cod Commission started an endeavor and changed the rates within the same fiscal year. He asked for more information about that. Kathleen Barrette, Finance Director was present. She replied that it was an estimate that was assessed for the Cape Cod Commission. They then adjusted it based on their actual budget requirements. There are usually not many changes but there were for this particular year. She will get more detail on how the assessment was calculated. Mr. Howell noted that he asked because they often make decisions about whether or not to use the Commission's expertise or go out on a contract, based on what the Commission is telling the Board. It's important to know that they're not telling you that's the number, they're telling you it's a guess at the number. He also noted that if someone is making a Freedom of Information Request, it is because they are asking for something that they believe would have been in the public domain, that they're eligible to get. They are saying on the transfer that it an unusual request. He would like more information on what request that might have been. Ms. Barrette respectfully deferred to Ms. Eldredge. Ms. Eldredge replied that they received a request for Executive Session Minutes for several years. Legal has to review all of those before they are made public. Mr. Handler asked about the Electric Inspector's Salary being on a needs basis. He asked if it's a salary or per diem. Ms. Barrette replied that it is needs based and gave examples. When there is increased activity, there is an increased need for inspections. The Budget was set at a reasonable estimate based on prior years but there was more activity this year. Mr. Handler asked, regarding the Recreation Department's new website, if it is up and fully operational. Ms. Eldredge replied that the website is operating but the payment portion is not yet operating. Mr. MacAskill requested that they get an idea of when the portal will be up. Ms. Barrette replied that it is up to the Interim Treasurer/Collector. Mr. Howell commented that during the budget cycle there was some discussion about fund transfers during the year. He asked if there are other things that happen during the year that proceeds these. Ms. Barrette replied that the only transfer that was made separate from this was the Reserve Fund Transfer for the Harbormaster for the unexpected expense of a boat engine replacement. There wasn't actually a transfer, they waited per the statute. The last two months of the year is when the transfers are implemented. Vote: 5:0 in favor. Motion carried.” (Motion: Handler, second: MacAskill)

Read it in the official minutes, page 4 (PDF)