The Board of Selectmen held a shorter than typical meeting this week. Here are the highlights.
New contract for Town Administrator
The board opted to form a new three year contract with set salary increases for Town Administrator Mark Purple. The contract was agreed on in Executive Session then ratified this week in the public meeting.
The new contract will provide an annual salary increase of 3% effective October 2015.
Chair Bill Boland explained that if the board took no action in April, the contract would have automatically renewed. (Under the old contract, the board determined raises annually with a minimum equivalent to Town personnel’s Salary Administration Plan)
Boland told the audience that the board sought the best deal for the town and Purple. They were motivated to retain the TA:
Mr. Purple just finished a term as president of the [Mass Municipal Manager’s Association], is very highly thought of in his field, and we were seeing some indications that he might be recruited for potential, a lot of openings in the Commonwealth as they’re coming up.
Demolition Delay Bylaw
Earlier in the meeting, resident Steve Phillips asked the board to consider seeking legal advice on the Demolition Delay bylaw. Phillips was concerned by lack of public consensus on what the law means and enforces. He asked the board to have that better defined and communicated to effected property owners.
The board agreed in concept. Selectman Paul Cimino voiced that concerns went beyond those Phillips outlined. He opined that there is inconsistent language throughout the bylaw.
Their only concern was waiting for ratification by the State Attorney General’s office. The Town will ask counsel that once he receives the ruling, he takes another look at the law. In addition to Phillip’s concerns, they asked to have the Building Inspector provide his thoughts and concerns to counsel.
The board emphasized that Town Meeting had “spoken” in favor of the law. They aren’t looking to undermine that decision, just clarify it.
Demolition Delay Bylaw
Even earlier in the meeting (yes, I’m working backwards), the board heard a presentation on Green Communities. The presentation was by a member of the state’s Department of Energy Resources on Green Communities.
She explained that if Southborough works to meet the baseline criteria for a Green Community, it would be entitled to $133,000 in grant funds. Another $10,000 would be available under additional criteria. And from there, the town could vie for additional competitive grants for up to $250,000.
To determine how the town should consider pursuing becoming a Green Community, Purple will work with the Green Technology Committee Chair Carl Guyer. They will update the board in June on their ideas for how (or if) to proceed.
With regards to the Demolition Delay Bylaw, does “aren’t looking to undermine that decision, just clarify it” mean “we had to pass the law before we knew what was in the law?”
Sorry – I could not resist
Have to point out – the BOS didn’t author – or even vote in favor of the law. The Historical Commission wrote it with help from Town Counsel. Town Meeting voters passed it. Attorney General could reject, accept, or (by comments in the meeting) apparently accept only part of it.