Amendment (May 14): Mr. Matthew moves to amend to $210,000.

Discussion 9:14 - 9:15, May 12: Mr. John Cogswell asked that this article be postponed to a time certain, namely May 14 immediately alter the special Town Meeting.

Approved

Discussion 9:31-9:33 May 14: No further discussion.

MOVED That the Town vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $30,000 to purchase a Intercom/Clock /Bell System for the Mitchell School, to be spent under the direction of the Municipal Building Maintenance Board and raised from the tax levy.

MOVED That the Town vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $125,000 to replace the High School boiler mechanical systems, to be spent under the direction of the Municipal Building Maintenance Board, and to meet this appropriation the Treasurer, with the approval of the Board of Selectmen is authorized to borrow up to $125,000 for a period of up to 20 years, under G.L., Chapter 44, Section 7.

Amendment :MOVED: That the main motion under Article 35 is amended by deleting the words, "and to meet this appropriation the Treasurer, with the approval of the Board of Selectmen is authorized to borrow up to $125,000 for a period of up to 20 years, under G.L., Chapter 44, Section 7." and replacing them with the following, "said sum to be raised from the current tax levy."

Approved

Discussion 9:15-9:22 May 12: Mr. James Healy, Finance Committe supports both the amendment and the Article; this is one of their cash articles. Someone asked, "is this in the budget?" yes-included in the amount to be spent by warrant articles. Mr. La Fleur, Director of the MBMB, described the effect of this article-gets the heat to the building.

MOVED That the Town vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $62,000 to reconstruct certain portions of the Hillside School and Mitchell School grounds, to be spent under the direction of the Board of Selectmen, and to meet this appropriation the Treasurer, with the approval of the Board of Selectmen is authorized to borrow up to $62,000 for a period of up to 15 years, under G.L. Chapter 44, Section 7.

Amendment: MOVED: That the main motion under Article 36 is amended by deleting the words, "and to meet this appropriation the Treasurer, with the approval of the Board of Selectmen is authorized to borrow up to $62,000 for a period of up to 15 years, under G.L., Chapter 44, Section 7." and replacing them with the following, "said sum to be raised from the current tax levy."

Approved

Discussion 9:22-9:26 May 12: Mr. Mattews described the project and its effect on borrowing. Mr. James Healy spoke on these as part of a continuing effort.

MOVED That the Town vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $60,000 to upgrade the Town's main computer, to be spent under the direction of the Board of Selectmen, and to meet this appropriation the Treasurer, with the approval of the Board of Selectmen is authorized to borrow up to $60,000 for a period of up to 10 years, under G.L. Chapter 44, Section 7.

Amendment: Mr. Michael Vaughn moved to hold the bonding period to five years.

Approved

Discussion 9:26-9:38 May 12: Mr. Ted Owens said the town's computer is up to capacity. Short-term Solutions are no longer acceptable. The town will not borrow for the 10 years named in the motion. Mr. Stephen Maxwell asked if there was a long-term technology plan; Mr. Owens responded that there is a Data Processing Advisory Committee but it was not necessary to consult them for this simple upgrade.

MOVED That the Town vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $62,000 to upgrade the Town's computer network, to be spent under the direction of the School Committee, and to meet this appropriation the Treasurer, with the approval of the Board of Selectmen is authorized to borrow up to $62,000 for a period of up to 10 years, under G. L. Chapter 44, Section 7.

MOVED That the Town vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $545,000 for DPW equipment, to be spent under the direction of the Board of Selectmen, and to meet this appropriation the Treasurer, with the approval of the Board of Selectmen, is authorized to borrow up to $545,000 for a period of up to five years, under G.L. Chapter 44, Section 7.

Amendment: Mr.. John Cogswell moved to emend the total to $256,500.

Approved

Discussion 9:38 - 10:07 May 12: Mr. Cogswell said that the DPW has more than $3 million worth of fleet. Scheduled replacements have been deferred. This causes increase in maintenance costs, downtime, and a backlog of capital investment costs. We have been pushing vehicle replacement forward until there is a serious problem ahead (FY 2003). Mr. John Hessian spoke on Fincom's deliberations. Mr. Cogswell is not very comfortable with the situation although that is the agreement. Mr. Hicks Suggests that Department Heads drive to town and pick up vehicles from a Motor Pool. A question regarding a policy of town vehicle use? Yes, a policy has been adopted; new employees hove to stay within 25 miles or pay a fee. Mr. Michael Grace said this policy is not defensible from a business point of view.

MOVED That the Town vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $60,000 to purchase a sidewalk tractor, to be spent under the direction of the Board of Selectmen, and that to meet this appropriation the Treasurer, with the approval of the Board of Selectmen, is authorized to borrow up to $60,000 for a period of up to five years under G.L. Chapter 44 Section 7.

Discussion 10:08 - 10:12 May 12: Mr. Cogswell-An additional sidewalk tractor for 52 miles of plowing routes Need 8 for 6 routes. This motion only gets us to six total so more will be needed.

MOVED That the Town vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $100,000 for storm drain and flood control improvements, including engineering services, plans and specifications in connection with the Walker-Gordon Pond, to be spent under the direction of the Board of Selectmen, and to meet this appropriation the Treasurer, with approval of the Board of Selectmen, is authorized to borrow up to $100,000 for a period of up to 30 years under G.L. Chapter 44, Section 7.

MOVED That the Town vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $217,000 to rehabilitate and construct certain portions of the wastewater system including design, to be spent under the direction of the Board of Selectmen and to meet this appropriation the Treasurer, with the approval of the Board of Selectmen is authorized to borrow up to $217,000 for a period of up to 30 years under G.L. Chapter 44, Section 7; and that the Treasurer with the approval of the Board of Selectmen, is authorized to borrow all or a portion of the amount from the Massachusetts Water Pollution Abatement Trust or otherwise.

Discussion 10:12 - 10:18 May 12: A Substitute main motion was offered by Mr. Cogswell. This motion is the same as the original except that the bonding language allows 0% loans from the Massachusetts Water Pollution Abatement Trust. The amount is still $217,000. Mr. Cogswell moved that Articles 42,43, & 44 be discussed together. These articles refer to problems where Webster crosses the railroad. Sagging ground has caused inflow into the sewer. This is a very difficult area in which to work because the bridge abutments leave only eleven feet for digging. 120 feet of pipe will be replaced including water, sewer, and storm drain. Mr. Hannigan stated thar the Fincom supports these articles.

MOVED That the Town vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $31,000 to rehabilitate and construct certain portions of the water system including design, to be spent under the direction of the Board of Selectmen, and raised from water receipts or transfer from the water enterprise fund.

Discussion 10:18 - 10:21 May 12: This article concerns the same problem as the previous one, has the same change in the substitute main motion and has the same resolution.

MOVED That the Town vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $42,000 to rehabilitate certain portions of the drain system, to be spent under the direction of the Board of Selectmen, and to meet this appropriation the Treasurer, with the approval of the Selectmen is authorized to borrow up to $42,000 for a period of up to 30 years under G.L. Chapter 44, Section 8, and the Treasurer with the approval of the Board of Selectmen, is authorized to borrow all or a portion of the amount from the Massachusetts Water Pollution Abatement Trust or otherwise.

Discussion 10:21 - 10:24 May 12: This article Concerns the same problem as the previous two has the same change in the substitute main motion and has the same resolution.

MOVED That the Town vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $100,000 for engineering services for plans and specifications in connection with improvements to the storm drain system, to be spent under the direction of the Board of Selectmen, and to meet this appropriation the Treasurer, with the approval of the Selectmen, is authorized to borrow up to $100,000 for a period five years under G.L. Chapter 44, Section 7.

MOVED That the Town vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $110,000 to purchase a sewer inspection truck for conducting internal investigations and preliminary engineering for the purpose of wastewater system rehabilitation, to be spent under the direction of the Board of Selectmen, and to meet this appropriation the Treasurer, with the approval of the Board of Selectmen, is authorized to borrow up to $110,000 for a period of up to five years under G.L. Chapter 44, Section 7.

Amendment: Change amount to $15,000. and do not use bonding

Approved

Discussion 9:36-9:40 May 14: They have been renting a mobile Camera which is difficult and expensive. A grant reduces the amount to the $15,000 recommended.

MOVED That the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $32,500 to purchase a mobile wastewater bypass pump, to be spent under the direction of the Board of Selectmen, and raised from wastewater receipts or transfer from the wastewater enterprise fund.

Amendment: Use retained earning rather than bonding.

Approved

Discussion 9:41-9:48 May 14: Mr. John Cogswell showed slides And discussed the advantages of having it. A certain amount of waste overflow into the brook last year when West Street Pumping Station failed. Such a pump can also have other uses. Mr. Gary Uhl asked other uses for these retained earnings (currently $19,000 in water and $390,000 in wastewater). Several such uses were described by Mr. Cogswell

MOVED That the Town vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $222,000 for engineering services to comply with the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection requirements to close the sanitary landfill, said sum to be spent under the direction of the Board of Selectmen, and raised from the Landfill Reserve Account.

Amendments: Mr. Richard Weitzen moved to add language to include redesign to both Articles 50 and 51.

Defeated

Discussion 9:49-11:05 May 14: Mr. Ted Owens presents the article and relates it to his earlier discussions in the Special Town Meeting. This is being appropriated from the Landfill Reserve Account because of continuing expenses.

Agree to discuss articles 50, 51, and 54 together. Mr. Owens described difficulties in negotiating With the DEP. The 5.9 Million dollar bond Authorization is to Satisfy the DEP, not to actually use at this time.

How will it be paid? Probably start with a Debt Exclusion Override; if that fails, will need to increase the sticker price. Article 51 is being referred in order to give the townspeople time to think about it. Mr. Hannigan discussed the Finance Committee's discussions on the issue. If thing go well, some of this may not be spent. So for there appear to be no surprises that will raise the cost. Not studying the back 43 acres now does not limit our options.

Mr. Weitzen would like to add language to redesign the transfer Station also in Articles 50 and 51. He feels there is not enough coordinated planning; without article 51 it is not possible to do a coordinated job. He believes leaving Article 51 behind will leave the town in a grave position. Mr. Robert Larson is concerned about traffic. Mr. Hannigan said we have to know what to do with the land before an Engineering Survey is conducted. Ms Jane Howard is concerned about total expenses. Ms. Jane Baker also supports Article 51.

Mr. Dan Matthews answered some of the accumulated questions.

MOVED That the Town vote to raise and appropriate $100,000 for engineering services for the reuse of the landfill and adjacent parcel, said sum to be spend under the direction of the Board of Selectmen and raised from the Landfill Reserve Account.

Amendments:

Mr. Owens moved to refer.

Approved

Mr. Richard Weitzen moved to add language to include redesign to both Articles 50 and 51.

Defeated

Discussion 11:05 - 11:06, May 14: There was no additional discussion on this article.

MOVED That the Town vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $128,000 to purchase a Material Screener, to be spent under the direction of the Board of Selectmen, and to meet this appropriation the Treasurer, with the approval of the Board of Selectmen is authorized to borrow up to $128,000 for a period of up to 5 years, under G.L. Chapter 44, Section 7.

Amendment: Mr. Ted Owens moves to refer back to the Selectmen.

Discussion 7:38-7:45 May 19: Mr. Owens said that the Selectmen like to discuss such articles at Town Meeting even if they are asking to refer. "Street Renderings" are their target candidate for this screener; they have not yet convinced the Finance Committee of the financial justification. Someone suggests leasing could be more practical; in response, Mr. Ryan of the Finance Committee says they have not yet got enough experience to know how well the returned materials would serve the town.

MOVED That the Town vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $60,000 for the purchase of two solid waste transfer trailers, to be spent under the direction of the Board of Selectmen and to meet this appropriation the Treasurer, with the approval of the Board of Selectmen is authorized to borrow up to $60,000 for a period of up to 5 years, under G.L. Chapter 44, Section 7.

Amendment: Mr. William Powers amends to $25,000 for one trailer

Approved

Discussion 7:46-7:58 May 19: Mr. Powers said they were able to save $14,000 by using some money left from another authorization. Mr. Rogowski questioned why we use this scheme. Other towns use methods that do not bang up the trailers as much. Mr. Rick Merson, Director of DPW, elaborated on the history; a less damaging method will be used in the future. Mr. Fener asked if we could still expect a sticker fee increase? Not at this time, fees are still under discussion.

MOVED That the Town vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $5,900,000 for the closure and capping of the sanitary landfill, to be spent under the direction of the Board of Selectmen, and to meet this appropriation the Treasurer, with approval of the Board of Selectmen, is authorized to borrow up to $5,900,000 for a period of up to 25 years under G.L. Chapter 44, Section 8.

MOVED That the Town transfer to the Conservation Commission that portion of the property on James Avenue held by the Board of Selectmen for general municipal purposes, which is shown as a portion of Lot 1, containing 3.5± acres and Lot 3 containing 46,884 sq. ft., on Assessors Map Number 55.

MOVED That the Town vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen, on behalf of the town, to acquire by purchase for off street parking purposes all or part of a certain parcel of land, known as 25 Chestnut Road, consisting of approximately 5,156 sq. ft. of land and shown as Lot 61A on Assessors Map Numbered 47, raise and appropriate the sum of $100,000 for said purpose and determine how said sum shall be raised;.

Referred to Selectmen .

MOVED That the Town vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $19,000 to repair fields at Cricket Field, Riverside Field, Avery Field and Dwight Field, to be spent under the direction of the Park and Recreation Commission and raised from the tax levy.

Withdrawn by Unanimous Consent.

MOVED That the Town vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $50,000 for a comprehensive facility study of all Town buildings, to be spent under the direction of the Board of Selectmen and raised from the tax levy.

Amendment: Mr. Owens moved to refer.

Discussion 8:53-9:10 May 19: Mr. Owens said there are big numbers in the capitol plan for future years. They are asking to refer so as to understand how to prioritize; to work out how to do such a study, then come back in the fall. Mr. Ryan of the Finance Committee said they support this article as well as the general proposition of a comprehensive study. Mr. Massey asked why we should have an outsider help prioritize? Mr. Owens said that the merits of articles which never reach Town Meeting floor are never discussed by Town Meeting. Consultants help us to understand these decisions. Mr. Weitzen pointed out that the description in the warrant differs from what is being discussed. Mrs. Jursek, co-chair of Community Center Study Committee, supports. So does Mr. Karl Clauset of School Committee.

MOVED That the Town vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $100,000 for replacement of Police Radio Equipment, to be spent under the direction of the Board of Selectmen, and to meet this appropriation the Treasurer, with the approval of the Board of Selectmen is authorized to borrow up to $100,000 for a period of up to 5 years, under G.L. Chapter 44, Section 7.

Withdrawn by Unanimous Consent.

MOVED That the Town vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $28,000 for replacement of Fire Department Alarm Cabling, to be spent under the direction of the Board of Selectmen and raised from the tax levy.

Withdrawn by Unanimous Consent.

MOVED That the Town vote to raise and appropriate $200,000 for the purpose of financing the following water pollution abatement facility projects: repair, replacement and/or upgrade of septic systems, pursuant to agreements with the Board of Health and residential property owners, including without limitation all costs thereof as defined in G.L. Chapter 29C, Section 1, and to meet this appropriation the Treasurer, with the approval he Board of Selectmen is authorized to borrow all or a portion of the amount from the Water Pollution Abatement; Trust or otherwise.

Amendment: The main motion was defeated and a substitute was moved.

Approved

Discussion 9:25-9:31 May 19: Edward V. Cosgrove discussed the substitute motion. 788 Septic Systems in town. Many that have been inspected failed. we borrow from DEP and loan to homeowners. Finance Committee also recommends adoption. Managed through a betterment assessment.

MOVED That the Town vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $10,000 from the tax levy for the payment of interest on debt in fiscal year 1998 for capital projects approved at the 1997 Annual Town Meeting;.

Amendment: Increase amount to $11,688.

Approved

Discussion 9:31-9:33 May 19: This article pays for possible bonding expenses in fiscal 1998 for projects approved at this meeting.