Board of Aldermen

Protection and License; Health, Education and Welfare; Public Works

Monday, 28 April 2008

Protection and License Committee

Chairman Infurna, Boisselle, McAteer-Margolis, Brodeur

Absent: Forbes

Attending: Conn, Medeiros, Mortimer, Seaboyer, Tramontozzi Wright

In attendance: Police Chief Mike Lyle, City Auditor/CFO Patrick Dello Russo

Protection and License called to order by Chairman Infurna at 7:30 p.m.

Alderman McAteer-Margolis motions to open Public Participation, 2^nd by Alderman Boisselle.  All in favor.  No one comes forward.  Alderman McAteer-Margolis motions to close Public Participation, 2^nd by Alderman Boisselle.  All in favor.

Order No. 08-232, Class II Motor Vehicle License Application for a Class II Motor Vehicle License to Nick Markos and Michael Markos d/b/a Detour Cars at 303 Lebanon street, Melrose, MA

Nick and Michael Markos introduce themselves to the committee.  Nick Markos says they own a used car dealership in Rowley and are moving to a more central location to their clientele.  They are keeping the same name as their current business and are willing to comply with the license requirements of the City.

Alderman McAteer-Margolis asks how long they have had their business in Rowley.  Nick Markos says almost a year.  Alderman McAteer-Margolis asks if they have prior experience.  Nick Markos says they worked for their uncle's business.  Alderman McAteer-Margolis asks about the repairs they will do.  Nick Markos says they will only work on the vehicles they are selling and limit the work to brakes, air filters and small repairs necessary to get the cars ready to sell.  He says they won't be doing any outside repairs.  Alderman McAteer-Margolis asks the hours of operation.  Nick Markos says they will be open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the week, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, and a shorter day, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, which will give people a chance to close the deal.  Most work will take place during the week.

President Conn says the Ward Alderman is on vacation and can't be here this evening.  He has concerns regarding the Sunday hours.  He doesn't believe business is currently conducted there on Sundays, and it is President Conn's understanding as well.  He says he doesn't know how important Sunday business is to them but it is a residential neighborhood.  Nick Markos says he appreciates their concerns.  Because most people work during the week Sundays are to close the deal and get paperwork in order.  Having to do all that business on Saturdays creates too much work.  President Conn asks if they have done any outreach to the neighbors.  Nick Markos says not yet because they don't have a license.  President Conn asks if there is currently a 10 car capacity.  Nick Markos says he isn't sure.

Alderman Seaboyer says he is concerned about the number of spaces and asks how many employees they have.  Nick Markos says it is just the two of them.  Alderman Seaboyer asks how they will handle the use of employee car space.  Mike Markos says they drive the cars they sell.  Alderman Seaboyer asks if they are continuing with the Rowley location.  Nick Markos says no.

Alderman Wright asks if they are planning to do mechanical repair work on Saturdays and Sundays.  Nick Markos says yes on Saturdays but not on Sundays.  Alderman Wright asks if the current owner does repair work on Saturdays.  Nick Markos says the business isn't really active.  Alderman Wright says he is concerned about noise because it is a residential neighborhood.  Mike Markos says they work they do includes brakes and replacing tires.  It doesn't create a lot of noise.  Alderman Wright says he is aware of issues in other municipalities with cars parked on nearby streets.  He asks where they plan to place cars over the capacity set in the license.  Nick Markos says they have space in Peabody to store them.  Alderman Wright says their references are not local and asks if they are in the car business.  Nick Markos says they are friends from college.

Alderman Brodeur asks how they found their way to Melrose.  Nick Markos says the person currently in the location is someone they run into all the time at auction.  He expressed his interest in leaving.  Alderman Brodeur asks where they get most of their stock.  Nick Markos says there are several auto auctions they go to.

Alderman Brodeur motions to send the matter to the full board without recommendation, 2^nd by Alderman Boisselle.  All in favor.

Order No. 08-277, Amending Melrose Revised Ordinances, Chapters 220-8 and 220-91 relative to parking fines and parking permit fees as set forth herein.

Chief Lyle says the reason for the increase is to bring Melrose in line with other communities.  Mr. Higgins surveyed the surrounding cities and towns and put this proposal together.  The last time the rates were changed was in May 2002.

Alderman Brodeur asks if there are any meters in the City.  Chief Lyle says no.

President Conn says he hasn't seen a $25 fine for an expired meter.  To the best of his knowledge they are $15.00.

Alderman Seaboyer says this proposes going from $80 to $150 for an overnight permit.  A lot of people in the downtown area don't have a place to park.  Chief Lyle says Mr. Higgins requested the fee be increased to $150.

Alderman Medeiros asks if the boxes at the train stations are considered meters.  Chief Lyle says no.  The tickets received are considered daily permits that are displayed on the dashboard.

Alderman Brodeur says he is concerned $150 for an overnight permit may be too high.  Chief Lyle says at $150 it's less than 50 cents per day.

Alderman Brodeur motions to cut §220-91A from $150 to $100.  Motions fails for lack of a second.

Alderman Brodeur moves to recommend, 2^nd by Alderman Boisselle.  All in favor.

President Conn asks when the new tickets would be available.  Chief Lyle says after July 1.  President Conn says it would go into effect next fiscal year.

Alderman McAteer-Margolis motions to adjourn, 2^nd by Alderman Boisselle.  All in favor.

Absent: Forbes

Attending: Conn, Medeiros, Mortimer, Seaboyer, Tramontozzi Wright

In attendance: City Auditor/CFO Patrick Dello Russo, School Business Manager Greg Zammuto; Health Director Ruth Clay

Health, Education and Welfare called to order by Chairman McAteer-Margolis at 7:50 p.m.  Order No. 08-220, APPROPRIATION Amount $600,000.00 From: Certified Free Cash To: A/C #16204-490000 - School Medicaid Account

City Auditor Patrick Dello Russo says the City is appropriating $600,000 to the School Department.  That number has been at $300,000 or $400,000 in the past.  It is the City’s good fortune to be in the position to appropriate $600,000 to the school.  It is the highest amount he can recall in the City’s history.  He is extremely pleased to be having this discussion and to be making this appropriation on behalf of the community.

President Conn asks what the balance is in the Free Cash account.  Mr. Dello Russo says there is $221,000 remaining.  President Conn asks if there are any other orders in the pipeline.  Mr. Dello Russo says yes.  President Conn asks if this item is budgeted in the FY2009 budget.  Mr. Dello Russo says this appropriation is to be used in FY2009.

Alderman Boisselle asks why there is an extra $200,000 to be appropriated this year.  Mr. Dello Russo says the City is in a position that this amount may be appropriated.

Alderman Infurna says she doesn’t understand what this account is about.  Mr. Dello Russo says there are certain services the community provides to the school side for which reimbursement from the government may be sought.  The account is called Medicaid Services.  In FY2006 and FY2007 the City received $250,000 in reimbursement.  FY2008 is yet to be determined.  There is tons of paperwork involved in seeking reimbursement and the school has taken the initiative to handle it.  Alderman Infurna says she is delighted to be able to give a little more this year.

Chairman McAteer-Margolis says she knows that the school business manager works hard to get this money to the City.  Mr. Zammuto says that services provided to SPED students are reimbursable.  There is one staff person that prepares the documents for reimbursement and several staff members fill out the bubble sheets, documenting the services provided to the students.  The school department also works with a consultant.  Chairman McAteer-Margolis says the reimbursement money comes directly to the City’s account.  She asks what percentage the school department has received from the City.  Mr. Zammuto says it varies but normally, after expenses, it is 50%.

Alderman Boisselle asks if reimbursement is 50%, will the City be reimbursed $300,00 of this $600,000 being appropriated this evening.  Mr. Zammuto says no.  This appropriation will help fund the School’s FY2009 budget.  It normally goes to SPED to provide services.  Alderman Boisselle asks if this $600,000 is in the School’s FY2009 budget, even though it hasn’t been appropriated yet.  Mr. Zammuto says yes; the City has not approved the School’s budget yet, and the School Administration is aware that this money has not yet been approved.  He guesses the total reimbursement amount for this year will be between $225,000 and $250,000.

Chairman McAteer-Margolis asks if this appropriation will go into a revolving account.  Mr. Zammuto says no, it will be included as revenue.

Alderman Brodeur moves to recommend, 2^nd by Alderman Infurna.  One opposed (Boisselle).  Motion carries.

Order No. 08-223, TRANSFER Amount: $1,550.00 From:  A/C #015111-511000 - Health Dept. – Salaries To: A/C #015112-52300 - Health Dept. - Mileage $600.00;  A/C #015112-529000 - Professional Services   $950.00 These funds are needed to fulfill contractual obligations

Alderman Infurna asks what the City pays for mileage.  Mr. Dello Russo says it’s probably not enough.  Currently it is 30 cents per mile and he hopes to go up to 50 or 51 cents per mile beginning July 1.

On the motion to recommend, All in favor.

Alderman Brodeur motions to adjourn, 2^nd by Alderman Boisselle.  All in favor.

Health, Education and Welfare adjourns at 8:10 p.m.

Maribeth Harrington
Clerk of Committees