Board of Aldermen |
Protection and License; Health, Education and Welfare; Public Works |
Thursday, 21 February 2008 |
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Protection and License Committee |
Chairman Infurna, Boisselle, McAteer-Margolis, Forbes Absent: Brodeur Attending: Medeiros, Seaboyer, Conn In attendance: Mayor Dolan; Fire Chief John O'Brien
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Protection and License called to order by Chairman Infurna at 7:30 p.m. Alderman Forbes motions to open Public Participation, 2nd by Alderman Boisselle. All in favor. No one comes forward. Alderman Forbes motions to close Public Participation, 2nd by Alderman Boisselle. All in favor. Order No. 08-127, APPOINTMENT Of: Elizabeth Peart, 318 Vinton St. To: Traffic Commission as a resident member Term to expire on the first Monday in June, 2012 Mayor Dolan offers Elizabeth Peart's appointment to the Traffic Commission saying it is not an easy board to fill. Often times half the people petitioning the Traffic Commission are happy with the results and the other half is frustrated. It is important for the appointee to wholly view the community. He says that Elizabeth is a professional in the field and works for Howard Stein Hudson as a Senior Transportation engineer. HSH is renowned for traffic studies. He says as head of the Roosevelt School Task Force, Elizabeth was helpful with configuring the traffic flow at the new Roosevelt School and he can't thank her enough for volunteering to serve on the Traffic Commission; she is extraordinarily qualified. Ms. Peart says she is quite thrilled to be considered for this appointment. She works for HSH as a traffic/transportation engineer doing traffic and pedestrian impact studies for private developers and thinks she has a very good background for dealing with situations that come up in the City. She says she is no longer head of the Roosevelt School Task Force. Chairman Infurna says she sits on the Traffic Commission this year and thanks Ms. Peart for volunteering. Alderman Boisselle moves to recommend, 2nd by Alderman Forbes. All in favor. Order No. 08-127, Amending Melrose Revised Ordinances Chapter 15 – Article XIII, Constables, Section 15-61, Paragraph C, Subsection (l) paragraph (e) as set forth herein. Mayor Dolan says his assistant, Brigid Alverson, worked with Police Chief Mike Lyle to make sure the City's ordinances comply with Massachusetts statutes. Under the CORI law, the Chief is not allowed to divulge the results or specifics of a CORI check, but he can say if the person is of good character. The language in the ordinance must be amended. Alderman Forbes moves to recommend, 2nd by Alderman Boisselle. On discussion Alderman Seaboyer asks if the Aldermen are not allowed to know the results of a CORI check. Mayor Dolan says that is correct. Alderman Seaboyer asks if there are other credentials that should be looked at. Mayor Dolan says there are now; the City never had any guidelines pertaining to constables before Alderman Brodeur's 2007 order creating this ordinance. President Conn says this order allows the Mayor to appoint a person if he deems the person is of good character. Alderman Boisselle asks if the Police Chief will make the final determination. Mayor Dolan says if the Chief says the candidate is not of good character, he will not send down the appointment. Alderman Boisselle asks if the Mayor wants the Police Chief to certify the applicant. Mayor Dolan says he will sign off on the application. Chairman Infurna says the order before them is to amend the existing language: Delete the words "The results of a criminal background (CORI) check on the applicant conducted by the Chief of Police Department" and substitute the words "A report as to the character and fitness of the applicant from the Chief of the Police Department." Alderman Boisselle moves to recommend, 2nd by Alderman McAteer-Margolis. All in favor. Order No. 08-135, TRANSFER Amount: $195.00 From: A/C #012212-560200 - Fire, Education Reimbursement To: A/C #012212-540500 - Fire, Dues and Membership This transfer is necessary to pay membership dues. Alderman Boisselle moves to recommend, 2nd by Alderman McAteer-Margolis. Fire Chief John O'Brien says this is basic housekeeping to pay dues. On the motion to recommend, All in favor. Order No. 08-163, TRANSFER Amount $400.00 From: A/C #012452-529000 - Inspectional Services/Wire Dept. – Professional Services To: A/C #012451-513000 - Inspectional Services/Wire Dept. – Salaries This transfer is necessary to cover overtime anticipated for fire alarm system emergencies through April. Alderman McAteer-Margolis says she is wondering how the City knows to anticipate fire alarm emergencies. Mayor Dolan says today's newspaper reports that there are an extraordinary number of fire alarms in the City that just go off. Many alarms go off 20 to 30 times annually. There were 900 false alarms last year; people just don't repair them. The chiefs will soon be coming before the Board with an order to address the problem. Alderman McAteer-Margolis asks if these are security systems versus fire alarms in the City. Mayor Dolan says yes – fire and security alarms are tripped and have to be reset by the City. On the motion to recommend, All in favor. Order No. 08-157, Licenses renewed by the City Clerk for the year commencing January l, 2008 Alderman Boisselle moves to recommend, 2nd by Alderman McAteer-Margolis. On discussion Alderman Boisselle asks if there are no outstanding licenses at this point. Chairman Infurna says there are some outstanding; these are the licenses that have been approved for renewal. President Conn says he would like to comment that this committee has things under control more than past committees regarding licenses. On the motion to recommend, All in favor. Order No. 08-164, REAPPOINTMENT Of: Michael J. McCarthy, Sr., 515 Lynn Fells Parkway To: Constable Term to expire on the first Monday in March, 2011 Chairman Infurna says that Alderman Brodeur has some questions on the process of the application, not the applicants themselves. She would like to send the appointments forward without recommendation to the full board. Alderman Boisselle says the committee does not have a copy of Order No. 08-166, REAPPOINTMENT Of: Robert L. Tryder, 29 Wheeler Ave To: Constable Term to expire on the first Monday in March, 2011. Chairman Infurna says the applicant has not filed his application and that will have to be held. Alderman Seaboyer says that Mr. McCarthy is present. Chairman Infurna says the Committee wants to do a little work on the application process before acting on the appointments. Alderman Seaboyer says he would like to ask Mr. McCarthy some questions since he is here. He says one of the requirements for Constables is to return 25% of their fees to the City. He asks Mr. McCarthy if he has paid the City. Mr. McCarthy says yes; he has a cancelled check. Alderman Seaboyer says the Treasurer has not received fees from some of the constables. Chairman Infurna says that is one reason the committee wants to work on the application process. President Conn asks Mr. McCarthy how long he has served as a constable. Mr. McCarthy says for the past three years. President Conn asks if he serves as a constable in any other community. Mr. McCarthy says no. President Conn asks where his prime place of business as a constable is located. Mr. McCarthy says his house. President Conn asks if he is a full-time constable. Mr. McCarthy says he does it part-time. Alderman Forbes asks how many people he has served given the high rate of foreclosures. Mr. McCarthy says 14. Alderman McAteer-Margolis asks if he serves criminal or civil processes. Mr. McCarthy says he serves general notices and subpoenas. He does not repossess cars. Alderman McAteer-Margolis asks how many processes he has served. Mr. McCarthy says 5 in the past 12 months. Alderman McAteer-Margolis asks if changes to the application process would create a hardship for him; Mr. McCarthy says he doesn't believe so. President Conn says he has been in the litigation business for 25 years. This discussion is not about big money. Constables are paid between $35 and $40 each time someone is served; they work hard for a small return. Alderman McAteer-Margolis motions to send Order No. 08-164 to the full board without recommendation, 2nd by Alderman Boisselle. All in favor. Order No. 08-165, REAPPOINTMENT Of: Anthony A. Melito, 977 Main St. To: Constable Term to expire on the first Monday in March, 2011 Alderman McAteer-Margolis motions to send the matter to the full board without recommendation, 2nd by Alderman Boisselle. All in favor. Order No. 08-166, REAPPOINTMENT Of: Robert L. Tryder, 29 Wheeler Ave To: Constable Term to expire on the first Monday in March, 2011 Alderman McAteer-Margolis motions to place the matter on hold, 2nd by Alderman Boisselle. All in favor. Order No. 08-167, REAPPOINTMENT Of: Leonard B. Dalton, 15 Cargill St. To: Fence Viewer Term to expire on the first Monday in January, 2009 Alderman Boisselle moves to recommend, 2nd by Alderman Forbes. All in favor. Alderman McAteer-Margolis motions for concurrent action on orders 08-172 and 08-173, 2nd by Alderman Boisselle. All in favor. Order No. 08-172, REAPPOINTMENT Of: Edward F. Cassidy, 61 Clifton Park To: Planning Board Term to expire on the first Monday in March, 2013 Order No. 08-173, REAPPOINTMENT Of: Richard E. Connolly, 7 Union St. To: Planning Board Term to expire on the first Monday in March, 2011 Alderman McAteer-Margolis moves to recommend, 2nd by Alderman Boisselle. All in favor. President Conn says the Melrose Planning Board is something to be very proud of. Alderman Boisselle motions to adjourn, 2nd by Alderman Forbes. All in favor. Protection and License adjourns at 8:05 p.m.
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| Health, Education and Welfare Committee | Chairman McAteer-Margolis,
Forbes, Boisselle, Infurna
Absent: Brodeur Attending: Medeiros, Seaboyer, Conn
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Health, Education and Welfare called to order by Chairman McAteer-Margolis at 8:07 p.m. Order No. 08-138, TRANSFER Amount: $1,348.08 From: A/C #015432-527803 -Veterans, War Memorials Maintenance To: A/C #015432-591007 - Veterans, Accounts Payable FY ‘07 This transfer is necessary to pay a prior year bill for flags. Alderman Boisselle moves to recommend, 2nd by Alderman Infurna. All in favor. Alderman Infurna motions for concurrent action on orders 08-139, 08-140, and 08-141, 2nd by Alderman Boisselle. All in favor. Order No. 08-139, REAPPOINTMENT OF: Sean F. Heneghan, 31 Reading Hill Ave TO: Beebe Estate Board of Trustees Term to expire the first Monday in March, 2011 Order No. 08-140, REAPPOINTMENT Of: Susan E. Hollister, 15 Irving St. To: Beebe Estate Board of Trustees Term to expire the first Monday in March, 2011 Order No. 08-141, REAPPOINTMENT Of: Frederick W. McGrath, 242 Tremont St To: Beebe Estate Board of Trustees Term to expire on the first Monday in March, 2011 Alderman Infurna thanks these fine people for volunteering. Great things happen at the Beebe Estate due to the efforts of the trustees. Alderman Infurna moves to recommend, 2nd by Alderman Boisselle. All in favor. Alderman Infurna motions for concurrent action on orders 08-142, 08-143, and 08-144, 2nd by Alderman Boisselle. All in favor. Order No. 08-142, REAPPOINTMENT Of: Ralph L. Moore, 39 Dexter Road To: Cemetery Committee Term to expire on the first Monday in March, 2009 Order No. 08-143, REAPPOINTMENT Of: Paul J. Spencer, 78 Malvern St. To: Cemetery Committee Term to expire on the first Monday in March, 2011 Order No. 08-144, REAPPOINTMENT Of: Richard B. Wallace, 85 Highview Ave. To: Cemetery Committee Term to expire the first Monday in March, 2010 Alderman Infurna thanks the committee members for their time and contribution in making Wyoming Cemetery a beautiful and peaceful place. Alderman Boisselle moves to recommend, 2nd by Alderman Infurna. All in favor. Alderman Infurna motions for concurrent action on orders 08-145, 08-146, and 08-147, 2nd by Alderman Boisselle. All in favor. Order No. 08-145, REAPPOINTMENT Of: James F. Driscoll, 10 Island Hill Ave. To: Council on Aging Term to expire the first Monday in March, 2011 Order No. 08-146, REAPPOINTMENT Of: Katherine M. McCarte, 16 Melbourne Ave. To: Council on Aging Term to expire on the first Monday in March, 2011 Order No. 08-147, REAPPOINTMENT Of: Eileen M. Olsen, 16 Willow St., #203 To: Council on Aging Term to expire first Monday in March, 2011 Alderman Infurna moves to recommend, 2nd by Alderman Boisselle. All in favor. Alderman Infurna says with her experience working with the elderly she if familiar with the work the Council on Aging does. She says these volunteers make sure the needs of the elderly are satisfied and she thanks them for all the work they do. Alderman Infurna motions for concurrent action on orders 08-148, 08-149, and 08-150, 2nd by Alderman Boisselle. All in favor. Order No. 08-148, REAPPOINTMENT Of: Mary Anne Babineau, 166 Perkins St. To: Trustee of the Melrose Public Library Term to expire the first Monday in March, 2011 Order No. 08-149, REAPPOINTMENT Of: Rosemary U. McIntire, 11 Spear St. To: Trustee of the Melrose Public Library Term to expire the first Monday in March, 2011 Order No. 08-150, REAPPOINTMENT Of: Edward W. Waystack, III, 50 Glen St. To: Trustee of the Melrose Public Library Term to expire the first Monday in March, 2010 Alderman Infurna moves to recommend, 2nd by Alderman Boisselle. All in favor. Chairman McAteer-Margolis says the library is near and dear to her heart. The trustees keep the library in top-notch shape and provides excellent service to the public. Alderman Forbes motions for concurrent action on orders 08-175, 08-176, 08-177 and 08-178, 2nd by Alderman Boisselle. All in favor. Order No. 08-175, REAPPOINTMENT Of: Stephen P. Galvin, 5 Bradford Park To: Veterans Services Advisory Board Term to expire on the first Monday in March, 2013 Order No. 08-176, REAPPOINTMENT Of: Warren A. Leger, 243 First St. To: Veterans Services Advisory Board Term to expire on the first Monday in March, 2013 Order No. 08-177, REAPPOINTMENT Of: Richard Mockler, 40 Holland Rd. To: Veterans Services Advisory Board Term to expire on the first Monday in March, 2013 Order No. 08-178, REAPPOINTMENT Of: Jeffrey D. Ugino, 41 Howie St. To: Veterans Services Advisory Board Term to expire on the first Monday in March, 2013 Alderman Forbes moves to recommend, 2nd by Alderman Boisselle. All in favor. Alderman Forbes thanks these fine gentlemen for their service to the City and its veterans. Alderman Infurna says the committees have acted on many reappointments of many volunteers this evening. These fine people who have stepped forward to serve in various capacities make Melrose what it is, from cultural events to activities for citizens of all ages to the way Melrose looks. Alderman Boisselle motions to adjourn, 2nd by Alderman Infurna. All in favor. Health, Education and Welfare adjourns at 8:15 p.m.
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| Public Works Committee | Chairman Forbes, Infurna,
Boisselle, McAteer-Margolis
Absent: Brodeur Attending: Medeiros, Seaboyer, Conn In attendance: City Engineer Bob Beshara
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Public Works called to order by Chairman Forbes at 8:16 p.m. Alderman Boisselle motions to open Public Participation, 2nd by Alderman McAteer-Margolis. All in favor. Philip Morgan, 11 Sargent Street, speaks in favor of the appropriation to be discussed in this committee. Alderman McAteer-Margolis motions to close Public Participation, 2nd by Alderman Boisselle. All in favor. Order No. 08-133, APPROPRIATION Amount: $5,000.00 From: A/C #29062-590000 - Parking Receipts, Lots & Permit To: A/C #014222-527307 - PW, Highway, Sidewalk Repairs This money will be used to fund handicap ramps, signage, and crosswalks on Melrose Street. Chairman Forbes says there is an opinion from the City Solicitor saying these funds may be used for this purpose and a memo from the City Auditor saying that funds are available. There is also a note that the balance of the fund is $52,766.87 Alderman Infurna thanks Mr. Beshara for attending the meeting. She says that in September when the Middle School reopened, the aldermen got many calls from parents about the difficulty their children were having crossing the streets. She asks where on Melrose Street this work will be done. Mr. Beshara says a crosswalk will be placed at Ashland Street at the location where there was an accident. He says it's important to put crosswalks where kids cross the street and there isn't one at this location. The money will fund two handicap ramps cut into the sidewalk, painting the crosswalk and signage for the crosswalk. Alderman Boisselle says that MGL says parking meter money may be used for the purpose of purchase or lease of additional parking lots, the care and maintenance of the same, and in general for any traffic control or traffic safety purposes, including payment for public liability coverage in connection with the use of said municipally owned or leased parking lots. He asks if money may be taken out of this account to pay for the new crosswalk. Mr. Beshara says that is a legal question which he can't answer. Alderman Boisselle says the money is not being used for parking lots and asks if the City will run into trouble down the line. Mr. Beshara says these funds have been used for line painting in the past. Alderman Boisselle says there is precedence for the use of these funds other than parking lots; Mr. Beshara says yes. Chairman Forbes reads from the opinion of the City Solicitor: "… it is my opinion that the City of Melrose would be acting lawfully if it were to transfer a portion of monies from the Parking Receipts account to pay for the expenses described herein." Alderman Boisselle says the order says this money will be used to fund handicap ramps, signage, and crosswalks on Melrose Street; he asks if it is intended for lower Melrose Street. Mr. Beshara says it is all for the crosswalk at Ashland Street and maybe advance warning signs for the crosswalk. Alderman McAteer-Margolis says this is a good start. She asks Mr. Beshara if he is on the study team that is considering making Melrose Street one-way during certain hours. Mr. Beshara says the Traffic Commission is looking at Melrose Street, particularly at the intersection at the Fellsway. Alderman Medeiros says this is a good endeavor; there is a lot of congestion in the area. Alderman McAteer-Margolis says to be clear, there is no implied intent to place a crossing guard at this location; Mr. Beshara says that is correct. Chairman Forbes asks if speed is an issue; Mr. Beshara says that the volume of pedestrian and automobile traffic is the issue. Alderman Boisselle moves to recommend, 2nd by Alderman Infurna. All in favor. Alderman Boisselle motions to adjourn, 2nd by Alderman McAteer-Margolis. All in favor. Public Works adjourns at 8:45 p.m.
Maribeth Harrington |
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