MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL TOWN MEETING
JUNE 3, 2006
The Moderator, Robert Floyd opened the Meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance at 10:05a.m. With a quorum of 117 register voters the Moderator read the warrant and the return of the warrant.
The first on the agenda was the presentation of the Town Report. This year it went to Richard and Virginia Ahart.
Nancy Hughes spoke on the Old Home Days.
Barbara Ripa, superintendent of schools and Paul Brousseau awarded a plaque to William and Margaret Walden.
The Richard C. Allen Scholarships were given to,
Jacqueline Patnode Lauren Moszynski
Christopher LaBombard Lauren Carmichael
Dan Mousette Zachary Baum
Sara Gwinner Kristen Mientka
The Moderator then took up the business on hand.
Under Article 1 it was moved and seconded that the Town vote to authorize its Treasurer/Collector, with the approval of the Board of Selectmen, to enter into a compensating balance agreement or agreements with one or more banking institutions beginning in Fiscal Year and extending for as much as three years, pursuant to Chapter 44, Section 53F and subsequent revisions of the General Laws of Massachusetts.
A call to the question was made and seconded.
Vote on the call to the question Unanimous
Vote on Article 1 Passed Unanimously
Under Article 2 it was moved and seconded that the Town vote to transfer the sum of $7,500 from Community Preservation Surcharges to fund administrative expenses of the Community Preservation Committee.
Article 2 Passes unanimously
Under Article 3 it was moved and seconded that the Town vote to raise the sum of $524,801 and transfer from Free Cash the sum of $61,036, and appropriate said total of $585,837.00 for GENERAL GOVERNMENT, as itemized in the Recommended Balanced Budget FY 2007 column of the handout as follows.
Article 3-General Government Budget Request
FY 2007
1. Salary 0
2. Expenses 150
Total Moderator 150
1. Salaries 0
2. Expenses 2,000
3. CDL Drug Testing 400
Total Selectmen 2,400
Town Administrator 67,000
Admin. Secretary Wages 23,835
Asst Admin Secretary Wages 9,064
Total Wages 99,899
Total Expenses 1,200
3. Photocopier Lease and Supplies 4,000
4. Comp Maintenance (moved)
Total Administration 105,099
Total Finance Committee Expenses 225
E. Reserve Account 59,611
Town Accountant Wages 25,920
Asst Accountant Wages 15,723
Total Salary and Wages 41,643
2. Independent Audit 6,250
3. Expenses
Total Expenses 1,110
4. Accounting Software Support 1,400
5. Accounting Software 0
Assessors Salaries 0
Asst. Assessor Wages 27,846
Asst. Assessor Wages 23,168
Total Salary and Wages 51,014
2. Total Expenses 6,500 200
3. Assessor Software Support 3,900
4. Consultant 2,000
5. Town Maps 1,500
Total Board of Assessors 64,914
Treasurer/Collector Salary 41,713
Asst. Treasurer 23,480
Asst. Collector 25,918
MV Clerk 12,528
Total Salary and Wages 103,639
Total Expenses 15,000
3. Treasurer Software Support 6,150
Total Treasurer/Collector 124,789
Total Legal 25,000
Total P.P.P. Board 6,175
K. Tax Title 2,500
L. Town Clerk
1. Salary and Wages
Town Clerk Salary 29,521
Town Clerk Asst Wages 10,991
Total Salary and Wages 40,512
2. Expenses
Total Expenses 1,300
M. Elections and Registration
1. Salary and Wages
Salaries (3 Board of Registrars) 600
Wages (9Elections Workers) 2,455
Total Salary and Wages 3,055
2. Expenses
Total Expenses 8,500
Total Elections and Registration 11,555
N. Conservation Commission
Total Conservation Commission 2,600
O. Planning Board
1. Expenses 1,000
2. PVPC 850
Total Planning Board 1,850
P. Zoning Board of Appeals
1. Clerical Wages 500
2. Expenses 600
Total Zoning Board of Appeals 1,100
Q.
1. Custodian Wages 14,804
2. Cust. Supplies/Expenses 800
3. Telephone 7,800
4. Town Hall-Gas & Electric 20,000
5. Town Hall Bldg Expenses 4,000
6. Larrabee-Gas & Electric 18,000
7. Larrabee Bldg Expenses 2,000
R. Town Clock 100
S. Town Report 2,050
T. Techology
Technology-equipment 6,000
Technology-services 2,000
Webpage Maintenance 1,000
Annual Internet Service 2,000
Total Technology 11,000
U. Others
Emergency Management Expenses 3,000
Barnes Aquifer Protection 2,100
Total Others 5,100
Article 3 passed unanimously
Under Article 4 it was moved and seconded that the Town vote to appropriate the sum of $922,614 for Protection of Persons and Property, as itemized the Recommended Balanced Budget of Fy2007 as follows:
1. Chief’s Salary 68,068
Police Salaries and Wages 394,800
Total Salaries and Wages 462,868
2. Expenses 44,000
3. Dare Program 3,000
4. Equipment Maintenance Contract 22,600
5. Copier Replacement 0
Total Police Department 532,468
Salary and Wages
Wages 132,225
Total Salary and Wages 132,225
Expenses 5,250
Total Communications 137,475
Chief’s Salary 51,500
Fire Salaries and Wages 96,000
Total Salary and Wages 147,500
2. Expenses 27,000
3. Ambulance/EMS
EMT Standby
Ambulance Billing Clerk
EMT Licensing & Certifications
Ambulance/EMS Expenses
Total Ambulance/EMS 64,311
Total Fire Department 239,311
Bldg inspector Salary 8,160
Asst Bldg inspector 0
Total Salary and Wages 8,160
Total Expenses 1,200
Total Inspection Services 9,360
Salary
Wages 2,000
2. Expenses 2,000
Total Tree Warden 4,000
Article 4 Passes unanimously
Under Article 5 it was moved and seconded that the Town vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $4,394,980 for Southampton Education, as itemized in the Recommended Balanced Budget FY2007 column of the handout as follows:
Article 5
A. Elementary School 3,590,416
B.
C. Textbooks 18,000
D. School Choice included
E. Voc Transportation 27,324
F.
Article 5 Passed unanimously
Under Article 6 it was moved and seconded that the Town vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $3,276,176 for Hampshire Regional Education, as itemized in the Recommended Balanced Budget FY2007 column of the handout as follows:
A. Regional Schools 2,850,000
B. Debt Service 426,176
Article 6 Passed unanimously
Under Article 7 it was moved and seconded that the Town vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $498,462 for Public Works and Facilities, as itemized in the Recommended Balanced Budget FY2007 column of the handout as follows:
A. General Highway
1. Wages 156,000
2. Expenses 84,000
3. Storm water Permitting
Total 240,000
B. Road Machinery Maintenance
Total Expenses 48,000
C. Winter Roads
1. Wages 122,462
2. Expenses 53,100
3. Snow Insurance 5,000
Total 180,562
D. Town Lighting 19,500
E. Cemetery Commission 10,400
Total Public Works and Facilities 498,462
Article 7 A call to the question was made and seconded.
Vote on the Call to the question Unanimous.
Vote on Article 7 Passes a Majority vote
Under Article 8 it was moved and seconded that the Town vote to raise the sum of $72,014 and transfer from the Board of Health Fees Revolving Fund the sum of $10,411, and appropriate said total of $82,425 for Human Services, as itemized in the Recommended Balanced Budget FY2007 column of the handout as follows:
A. Board of Health
1. Salaries and Wages
Health Agent 6,729
BOH Director 25,000
Total Salaries and Wages 31,729
2. Expenses 2,500
Total 34,229
B. Animal Inspector
1. Salary 5,700
2 Expenses 250
Total 5,950
C. Council on Aging
1. Total Wages 15,746
2. Total Expenses 1,000
Total 16,746
D. Veterans’ Services
1. Veterans’ Agent Expenses 6,400
2. Veterans’ Benefits 18,500
3. Mileage 600
Total 25,500
Article 8 Passed unanimously
Under Article 9 it was moved and seconded that the Town vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $104,400 for Culture and Recreation, as itemized in the Recommended Balanced Budget FY2007 column of the handout as follows:
A. Library
1. Wages 64,000
2 Expenses 29,000
Total 93,000
B. Park Commission
1. Wages 4,200
2. Expenses 2,800
Total 7,000
C. Historical Commission
Total 2,700
D. Old Home Day 1,100
E. Memorial Day 500
F. Holiday Lights 100
Article 9 Passes unanimously
Under Article 10 it was moved an seconded that the Town vote to appropriate the sum of $679,748 for Debt Service, as itemized in the Recommended Balanced Budget FY2007 column of the handout as follows:
A. WPAT Pequot Pond (last payment FY2020)
1. Principal 13,971
2. Interest 11,752
Total 25,723
B. Highway Truck(last payment FY2010
1. Principal 22,000
2. Interest 3,344
Total 25,344
C. School Construction (last payment Fy2014)
1. Principal 390,000
2. Interest 144,875
Total 534,875
D. Library Construction(last payment FY2013)
1. Principal 45,000
2. Interest 16,650
Total 61,650
E. Lawn Mower(last payment FY2011)
1. Principal 8,440
2. Interest 1,815
Total 10,255
F. WPAT Bonds-Septic Betterments 17,901
G. Short-Term Borrowing 4,000
Article 10 Passed unanimously
Under Article 11 It was moved and seconded that the Town vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $1,243,236 for Miscellaneous Expenses, as itemized in the Recommended Balanced Budget FY column of the handout as follows:
A. Hamp. Council Govt’s 6,037
B. Retirement Contributory 376,074
C. Retirement Non-Contributory 3,865
D. Workers’ Compensation 23,000
E. Unemployment Compensation 15,000
F. Group Health Insurance 673,260
G. Medicare/FICA 51,000
H. Group Life Insurance 3,000
I. Insurance-General 92,000
Article 11 Passes unanimously
Under Article 12 it was moved and seconded that the Town vote to appropriate the sum of $565,996 for Water Enterprise Fund, as itemized in the Recommended Balanced Budget FY2007 column of the handout as follows
Superintendents Salary 56,000
Other Wages 28,000
Total Wages 84,000
Total Expenses 98,000
Total Capital Outlay 51,986
Total Debt Service 296,208
5. Transfer to General Fund 35,802
Total 565,996
Article 12 Passed unanimously
Under Article 13 it was moved that the Town vote to appropriate the sum of $225,388
For Landfill Enterprise Fund, as itemized in the Recommended Balanced Budget FY2007 column of the handout as follows:
Other wages 39,200
Total Wages 42,000
Total Expenses 134,900
3. Testing-DEP 2,712
4. Debt Service
Total Debt Service 25,776
5. Transfer to General Fund
Total 225,388
Article 13 Passed unanimously
Under Article 14 it was moved and seconded that the Town vote to authorize revolving funds for certain Town department under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 44, §53E
½ for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2006 as follows;
|
Revolving Fund |
Authorized to Spend Fund |
Revenue Source |
Use of Fund |
Fy2007 Spending Limit |
|
Building Inspections |
Building Inspector |
Building Inspection Receipts |
Payment for Building Inspector Services |
$35,000 |
|
Planning Board |
Planning Board |
Filing Fees |
Administrative Expense |
$1,000 |
|
Electrical Inspections |
Building Inspector |
Electrical Inspections Receipts |
Payment for Electrical Inspector Services |
$7,500 |
|
Plumbing Inspections |
Building Inspector |
Plumbing Inspection Receipts |
Payment for Plumbing Inspector Services |
$5,000 |
|
Health Department Inspections |
Board of Health |
Health Department Inspection Receipts |
Payment for Health, Inspection Services |
$15,000 |
|
Council on Aging Van |
Council on Aging Director |
Receipts for Operation of Van |
Payment for Operation/Council on Aging Van |
$20,000 |
|
Zoning Board of Appeals |
Zoning Board of Appeals |
Receipts from Fees |
ZBA Expenditures |
$3,000 |
|
Dog Licensing and Control |
Town Clerk |
Receipts from Dog Licenses and other Related Charges |
Expenditures for Dog Control |
$8,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Article 14 Passed unanimously
Under Article 15 it was moved and seconded that the Town vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen to petition the General Court for a special act as follows:
Section 1
Not withstanding any general or special act to the contrary the position
of Fire Chief in the Town of
Section 2 The acceptance of the Massachusetts General Law Chapter 48 §42, the so called “Strong Fire Chief Law” by the voters of the Town of Southampton is hereby revoked and the Town of Southampton’s Fire Department will operate under the provisions of the Massachusetts General Law Chapter 48 §42A, the so called “Weak Fire Chief Law” effective on the passage of this act.
Section
3 the provisions of Section
1 shall not impair the Civil Service Status of any incumbent holding the
position of Fire Chief in the Town of
An amendment was made and seconded to Strike out Section 3.
Amendment Passed unanimously a call to the question was made and seconded, the call passes unanimously.
Vote on Article 15 as amended, a hand count of yes 31 oppose 56 Motion fails
Under Article 16 it was moved and seconded that the Town vote to transfer the sum of up to $31,000 from the Stabilization Fund to purchase a new plow, frame and sander for the Highway Department.
Article 16 was a 2/3 vote Passed majority yes 1 oppose
Under Article 17 it was moved and seconded that the Town vote to transfer the sum of up to $35,000 from the Stabilization Fund to purchase a new 4X4 pickup, one (1) ton, with plow and frame, for the Highway Department and trade in the 1995 pick-up.
Article 17 a 2/3 vote Passed unanimously
Under Article 18 it was moved and seconded that the Town vote to transfer the sum of up to $31,000 from the Stabilization Fund to replace the 2000 Ford Crown Victoria Police Cruiser and equipment.
Article 18 a 2/3 vote Passed unanimously
Under Article 19 it was moved and seconded that the Town vote to transfer the sum of up to $30,000 from the Stabilization Fund to repair the water truck and upgrade from 1,000 gallons to 1,500 gallons, repair rusting pipes, place 10” dump at rear of truck, add 2 12’
Inlet and outlets at rear of truck, upgrade lighting to NFPA standards and replace tires on Engine 1 (1988 International Fire Truck).
Article 19 a 2/3 vote Passed unanimously
Under Article 20 it was moved and seconded that the Town
vote to transfer a sum of up to $20,000 from the Stabilization Fund to purchase
kitchen equipment, custodial equipment and security improvements at the
An amendment was made and seconded to see if the Town
will vote to transfer from the Norris Renovation Fund to purchase kitchen
equipment, custodial equipment and security improvements at the
A second amendment was made and seconded, if not possible then use the Stabilization fund.
A motion made and seconded to call the question. Call the question passed unanimous.
A vote on the second amendment. Passes 50 yes 42 no
A vote on the first amendment. Passes
A vote on the Article As amended 2/3 majority yes 54 no 18
Article 20 as amended. I move that the Town vote to
transfer a sum of up to $20,000 from Norris Renovation fund if possible, if not
then use the Stabilization fund to purchase kitchen equipment, custodial
equipment and security improvements at the
Under Article 21 it was moved and seconded that the Town vote to transfer a sum of up to $8,900 from the Stabilization Fund to purchase accounting software.
Article 21 a 2/3 vote Passes unanimously
Under Article 22 It was moved and seconded that the Town vote to continue membership in Hampshire Council of Governments for Fiscal Years 2007 through 2010 with a 75% reduction in annual membership dues.
Article 22 Passed unanimously
Under Article 23 it was moved and seconded that the Town vote to amend the Town of Southampton By-law, Article XVII §1 to state “There is hereby established a Council on Aging consisting of seven (7) citizens of the Town to be appointed by the Board of Selectmen”.
A amendment was made and seconded to see if the Town will vote to amend its Town By-law to add and to establish a council on Aging pursuant to Mass General Laws as follows. 3 members elected first year, 2 members elected second year, 2 members elected third year, each being a three year term.
A motion made and seconded to table the Article until end of Warrant.
Motion passed.
The Article 23 as amended failed.
Article 23 as written passed a majority
Under Article 24 It was move and seconded that the Town vote to amend the Town of Southampton By-laws, Article XVII Section 5 to state “it shall be the duty of the Council on Aging to carry out programs designed to meet problems of the aging in coordination with programs of the Department of Elder Affairs, pursuant to Chapter 40, Section 8B of the Massachusetts General Laws.”
A motion was made and seconded to table Article 24 until end of Warrant.
Motion passed
Article 24 Passes unanimously
Under Article 25 it was moved and seconded to pass over. The Motion was withdrawn, and the seconded withdrawn.
Article 25 Passed
Under Article 26 it was moved and seconded that the Town vote to raise and appropriate a sum of up to $32,000 to purchase a new Ford Explorer 4x4 type vehicle and equipment to replace the 1197 Crown Victoria Fire Chief’s vehicle, contingent upon the passage of a Capital Expenditure Exclusion under General Laws Chapter 59, Section 21 C.
Article 26 Passed unanimously
Under Article 27 it was moved that the Town vote to authorize the Treasurer with the approval of the Board of Selectmen to borrow the sum of up to $170,000 to purchase a newer (used) Fire Truck, contingent upon the passage of a Debt Exclusion under General Laws Chapter 59 Section 21 C.
Under Article 27 motion failed a 2/3 vote Yes 47 No 30
Under Article 28 it was moved and seconded that the Town
vote to establish an Agricultural Commission to represent the
Purpose:
The purpose of the Agricultural Commission will be to support commercial
agriculture and other farming activities in the Town of
The Commission shall consist of five member appointed by the Board of Selectmen, of which the majority of the membership shall be primarily engaged in the pursuit of agriculture. All member of the commission must either be residents of the Town, or owners and farmers of agriculture property within the Town, with first consideration going to individuals engaging in farming.
There may be up to three alternates appointed to the Commission by the Board of Selectmen and will fill any vacancies at a meeting of the Commission.
In making its appointments, the Board of Selectmen is asked specifically to consider the intent of the Commission to represent the agricultural interests of the Town.
The terms will be as follows: Two members for a term of three years; two members for a term of two years and three thereafter; and one member for a term of one year and three years thereafter.
The Board of Selectmen shall fill a vacancy based on the unexpired term of the vacancy in order to maintain the cycle of appointments, based upon the recommendations of the Commission.
An amendment was made and seconded to see if the Town will vote to amend its Town By-laws to add, and established an Agricultural Commission, to represent the Southampton Commercial farming and agricultural community, as well as other farming forestry activities Pursuant Mass General Law C 44B Sec. 5 as follows:
Purpose:
The purpose of the Agricultural Commission will be to support commercial
agriculture and other farming activities in the Town of
The Commission shall consist of five member appointed by the Board of Selectmen, of which the majority of the membership shall be primarily engaged in the pursuit of agriculture. All member of the commission must either be residents of the Town, or owners and farmers of agriculture property within the Town, with first consideration going to individuals engaging in farming.
There may be up to three alternates appointed to the Commission by the Board of Selectmen and will fill any vacancies at a meeting of the Commission.
In making its appointments, the Board of Selectmen is asked specifically to consider the intent of the Commission to represent the agricultural interests of the Town.
The terms will be as follows: Two members for a term of three years; two members for a term of two years and three thereafter; and one member for a term of one year and three years thereafter.
The Board of Selectmen shall fill a vacancy based on the unexpired term of the vacancy in order to maintain the cycle of appointments, based upon the recommendations of the Commission.
Amendment Passed unanimously
Article 28 as amended Passed unanimously.
Under Article 29 it was moved that the Town vote to transfer a sum of money from the Norris School Debt Exclusion Reserve Fund to fund a portion of the Norris School Fiscal 2007 debt service.
A motion to pass over the Article was made and seconded.
Article 29 Passed over Unanimous
Under Article 30 was moved and seconded that the Town vote to transfer the sum of $19,331.22 From Free Cash for the purpose of paying an omitted portion of the Town’s prior year’s obligation to fund its share of Hampshire Regional Administrative Salaries.
A 4/5 vote was needed. Article 30 Passed unanimously
Under Article 31 it was moved and seconded that the Town vote to raise and appropriate, transfer or otherwise provide the sum of $200,000 for the purpose of financing the following water pollution abatement facilities projects, repair replacement and/or update of septic system, pursuant to agreements between the Board of Health and residential property owners, including without limitation all costs thereof as defined in Section 1 of Chapter 29C of the General Laws; to meet this Appropriation the Treasurer with the approval of the Board of Selectmen, is authorized to borrow $200,000 and Issue Bonds or Notes therefore under G.L. c. 111, s. 127B1/2 and/or Chapter 29C of the General Laws; that project and financing costs shall be repaid by the property owners, in accordance with those agreements, but such bonds or notes shall be general obligations of the Town; that the Treasurer with the approval of the Board of Selectmen is authorized to borrow all or a portion of such Amount from the Massachusetts Water Pollution abatement Trust established pursuant to Chapter 29C and in connection therewith to enter into a loan agreement and/or security agreement with the Trust and otherwise contract with the Trust and Department of Environmental Protection with respect to such a Loan and for any federal or state aid available for the projects or for the financing thereof, and that the Board of Selectmen, Board of Public Works or other appropriate local body or official is authorized to enter into a project regulatory agreement with the Department of Environmental Protection, to expend all funds available for the projects and to take any other action necessary to carry out the projects.
Article 31 a 2/3 vote Passed unanimously
Under Article 32 it was moved and seconded that the Town vote to raise and appropriate an additional sum of $60,000 to Police Wages to hire one additional police officer and increase man hours, and $10,000 to Police Expenses for additional expenses, contingent upon the passage of an Override under General Laws Chapter 59 Section 21C.
An amendment was made and seconded to see that the Town vote to raise and appropriate an additional sum of $52,000 to Police Wages to hire one additional police officer and increase man hours, and $10,000 to Police Expenses, contingent upon the passage of an Override under General Laws Chapter 59 Section 21C.
Vote on the amendment Passed unanimously
Article 32 as amended Passed 2/3 Majority
Under Article 33 it was moved and seconded that the Town vote to raise and appropriate an additional sum of $60,000 to Police Wages to hire a second additional police officer and increase man hours, and $10,000 to Police Expenses for additional expenses, contingent upon the passage of an Override under General Laws Chapter 59 Section 21C.
Article 33 Passed Majority 1 no
Under Article 34 it was moved and seconded that the Town vote to raise and appropriate an additional sum of $67,000 to Elementary Education to hire a Vice Principal, contingent upon the passage of an Override under General Laws Chapter 59 Section 21C.
An amendment was made and seconded that the Town vote to raise and appropriate an additional sum of $22,000 to Elementary Education, contingent upon the passage of an Override under General Laws Chapter 59 Section 21C.
The amendment Passed unanimously
Article 34 as amended Passed unanimously
Under 35 it was moved and seconded that the Town vote to raise and appropriate an additional sum of $63,181 to Hampshire Regional Education to fund the budget recommended by the Hampshire Regional School Committee, contingent upon the passage of an Override under General Laws Chapter 59 Section 21C.
Article 35 Passed unanimously
Under Article 36 it was moved and seconded that the Town vote to raise and appropriate an additional sum of $20,000 to Road Machinery Maintenance for the maintenance of Highway Department equipment, contingent upon the passage of an Override under General Laws Chapter 59 Section 21C.
Article 36 Passed unanimously
Under Article 37 it was moved that the Town vote to raise and appropriate additional sums of $15,000 to Winter Roads Wages and $30,000 to Winter Roads Expenses; contingent upon the passage of an Override under General Laws Chapter 59 Section 21C.
Article 37 Passed unanimously
Under Article 38 it was moved and seconded that the Town vote to raise and appropriate additional sums of $13,000 to Library Wages and $16,000 to Library Expenses, contingent upon the passage of an Override under General Laws Chapter 59 Section 21C
An amendment was made and seconded that the Town vote to raise and appropriate an additional sum of $9,642 to Library Wages and $4,358 to library Expenses, contingent upon the passage of an Override under Override under General Laws Chapter 59 Section 21C.
Amendment Passed unanimously
Article 38 Passed unanimously
A motion was made and seconded to adjourn at 2:00p.m
A true copy of the warrant, return of the warrant, and the minutes of the meeting.
Attest:
Eileen Couture, Clerk
Town of