Selectmen Meet February 12th

by Bobby Blair 2/13/12

Selectmen Monday night continued reviewing proposed department fiscal year 2012/13 budgets.

Technology Department head Chuck Corman presented selectmen with a forthcoming budget within guidelines. Corman told board members that at some time in the near future his department would require a monster software upgrade. When questioned about a new website for the town Corman said the website would be separately funded and that the existing site costs the town under $360 per year.

Conservation Agent Charles Katuska accompanied by Conservation Commission member Ann Marie Pilch presented a guideline line item budget, but Pilch requested a raise for Katuska in the amount of $2,416. Pilch said "in the scheme of things this is a small amount of our budget. Town Administrator Paul LeBeau noted that the town is in the process of a comprehensive benefits and pay study in which Holliston is compared to similiar towns. He said the study would not likely be completed before May Town Meeting. Selectmen requested that any raise be brought before the board after the study had be completed. Katuska works a 20-hour week.

Highway Chief Tom Smith's budget came within guidelines. Smith explained that he had over-estimated last year's line item for salaries by 24k. That amount this year will be allocated for temporary help and tree cutting. Smith told selectmen that plans are in the works for spring and fall road repaving which include Hanlon Road from Wilson Street to the Hopkinton town line and Adams Street from Marshall to Hanlon Road. Also Cedar Street from Turner Road to the Ashland town line. Several sidewalks are also to be updated including Elm, Church and Grove.

Lina Arena DeRosa presented the Senior Center budget which came within budget. DeRosa noted the need for additional parking at the Center on Goulding Street. DeRosa noted that her vehicle budget which includes repairs should be less this coming year due to two new vehicles and repairs being done by the MetroWest Regional Transportation Authority.

Police Chief John Moore and Lt. Shawn Moore presented the Police Department proposed budget. While coming within budget, several factors were in the department's favor. The department is short one man due to the resignation of Lt. Keith Edison. A contactual raise was only !%. Three new cruisers expected in 3-4 weeks will lessen repair cost and several new civilian dispatchers currently being trained will replace an officer at the desk beginning July 1st. Selectmen are concerned about continuing overtime costs, which Moore stated were only $1,000 for the past several weeks, but he acknowledged that was unusually low.

Banner requests for the Newcomers Club 10k Road Race and Craft Fair, PTSA Auction and Historical Society were approved.

Selectmen received the resignation of Peter Rosati from the Conservation Commission. Applicants may contact the Selectmen's Office.

Appointed to the Memorial Day Committee were Steve Bradford, Robert Blair and Steve Napolitano of the American Legion.

Posted in Politics.

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