From the February 14, 2012 Board of Selectmen’s meeting: 

Use of non-organic materials on Stoneham fields

The board voted, 5-0, to postponed discussions regarding use of non-organic materials on public fields in Stoneham. Selectman Bob Sweeney said that organic landscaping Chip Osborne and Stoneham Youth Coalition President Libby Fulgione have been in discussions regarding the matter. Sweeney hopes for a positive result in the spring.

 55 Main St. demolition and two-unit condominium rebuild

 The board voted, 5-0, to allow the Nazarian Family Trust c/o Lorraine Ellis Trust to demolish the existing building at 55 Main St., the former home of Readings by Athena: Palm and Tarot Cards. The new project calls for the construction of a two-unit townhouse condominium. The owners plan to live on the premise.

 Stoneham Historical Commission member Marcia Wengen, a self-proclaimed preservation advocate, asked if the builders plan “deconstruction” over demolition. Deconstruction would allow for some of the older style parts of the building to be recycled. The owners claim the windows and most other parts of the building are not original. They plan to let the builder “do what he has to do.” The new project changes the footprint of the existing structure.

 Council on Aging Chairman addresses selectmen

 Stoneham Council on Aging Chairman Gene Ferullo asked the board to consider two proposals: (1) The re-establishment of revolving accounts to pay for upkeep of the center and for senior trips and (2) adoption of a senior tax work-off program that would allow qualified senior citizens to earn up to $750 annually working as helpers in town departments.

 Ferullo asked the board to sponsor two warrant articles related revolving accounts [NOTE: a revolving account is an account that a town department may use at its discretion without voter approval, as all other general funds require] for May Town Meeting. One account would allow the council to keep money it collects from rentals at the senior center in a special account to help offset building expenses. The other account would allow the council to keep money it collects for senior citizen trips to pay expenses related to the trips. The current system calls for funds to go to the Town of Stoneham and then get reallocated to the council with the approval of the Town Accountant.

 Town Administrator David Ragucci thought the change would be “perfect” in this case. Ragucci said the revolving account would hold funds collected for specific purposes, not tax dollars.

 Selectman Richard Gregorio said he could see the benefit to the Council on Aging, but could not see a benefit to Stoneham voters. He added that revolving accounts diminish voter power as special groups control these funds. He concluded that the funds make spending easier for department heads, but that’s not the purpose of the Town Administrator Act.

 Ferullo argued that the town does not provide sufficient funds for the Council on Aging to properly operate and maintain the senior center building. He said the center collects rental income, but must return it to the town at the end of the fiscal year. Gregorio asked Ferullo if all town departments should have the power to hold funds to spend under their own discretion. Ferullo responded that the departments should retain such power if the department maintains its facility.

 Gregorio said that he, as a member of the town’s capital committee, reviews requests for building and facility repairs. He said the senior center recently received funding for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning repairs.

 Selectmen Chair Paul Rotondi said that rents from the center now go into the town’s general fund. The town then returns them as part of the center’s budget. He said that the town could, instead, allow the council to keep its rent collections. As for the trip fee collections, Rotondi said it’s a clear benefit for fees to pay for trips and to keep the Town Account out of the process.

 Gregorio argued that there should be no difference to the Town Accountant, as he would still control the funds. Town Administrator Ragucci said that only purchase orders greater than $1,000 require his approval.

 Selectman John DePinto asked why the Council on Aging would request a change. Ferullo responded that the council would like to be sure that it spends the funds it raises. He then asked the board to sponsor an article to propose to Town Meeting voters on May 7, 2012.

 Ferullo then opened discussions regarding the senior tax work-off program. On January 17, 2012, Ferullo introduced the topic to the board. The board decided to continue the discussion to the February 14, 2012 meeting.

 Ferullo said his research shows that every town operates the senior tax work-off program differently. It would be difficult to provide a “template.” He explained that the program allows a maximum tax abatement of $750 annually per qualified senior citizen who works as a temporary or part-time assistant to a town department. He proposed a $15,000 allocation to pay for up to 20 seniors to benefit from the tax work-off program. Ferullo proposed that the town create a committee to make a detailed proposal to the board (re: eligibility requirements, selection of applicants, and funding limits, etc.).

 Ferullo said that 87 percent of cities and towns in Middlesex County offer the program to senior citizens, but Stoneham – to his surprise - does not. He added that the state put the program in effect in 2002.

 Selectman Frank Vallarelli said that Town Administrator David Ragucci made an assessment for the town’s need for such a program. Ragucci said that there are five non-union positions that qualify for the senior tax work-off program. He said it would be difficult to make the proposal “revenue neutral” (meaning to save funds from one expense to fund the senior tax work-off program). Ragucci said the town is “not ready to commit to the program.”

 Ferullo said that Stoneham Superintendent of Schools Dr. Les Olson told him that the School Department could find approximately five positions for the program – if the town could fund the positions. Ragucci said that town would need to cut an existing expense to fund the program.

 Ferullo suggested changing budget priorities. Selectman Vallarelli said Governor Deval Patrick is proposing a tax increase to raise state revenues, but it’s unlikely to become law. Else, Vallarelli continued, Stoneham should expect reductions in local aid from the state.

 Selectman John DePinto, a Certified Public Accountant, said he provides free tax review for seniors, adding that even if seniors do not earn income they could be eligible for up to $980 from the state as a “circuit breaker” credit. Contact DePinto at 781-322-2281. DePinto also offered to join the committee to explore viability of the senior tax work-off program.

 The board decided to revisit the issue again at its March 27, 2012 meeting.

 Board votes, 5-0, to place debt exclusion question on April 3 ballot for middle school

 Stoneham School Building Committee (SBC) Chair Jeanne Craigie said that the state would pay 52.5 percent of the approximate $40 million cost a proposed middle school project. The town would borrow approximately $17 million to pay its share for the new facility.

 Craigie said that the SBC hired Shawmut Design and Construction for the project.

 Board of Selectmen Chair and SBC member Paul Rotondi said that Shawmut’s slogan is “Think like a Parent.” He said that company’s top priority is protecting students during construction. He added that Shawmut is a union company.

 Craigie said the SBC asked the company to find local workers for subcontracting during the project. She said Shawmut appears “very warm to that,” but workers must be qualified. She added that work progress during construction should be available to the public each week at the Shawmut website. The company also offers walk-through tours. She also said that the town would not use public money to promote the ballot question.

 Rotondi said that fact sheets list the cost of the project and the influence on the average tax bill. He added that an equal principal bod would be better over the long-term for taxpayers as all taxpayers would pay a fair share over 20 years.

Town Administrator David Ragucci said that average Stoneham home assessment is $385,000. The debt exclusion would increase taxes approximately 46 cents per thousand, or $176 per year for a $385,000 home, over a twenty-year span.

 Resident Richard Mangarian then addressed the board, stating his interest in safety during construction. He said that students would be in the existing structure as construction crews add two stories to the building. He asked if the board would provide additional personnel needed to monitor children during construction. He said the town would not want accidents to happen during construction. He added that safety is a critical element to consider.

 Jeanne Craigie, SBC Chair, said that her committee’s top priority is student safety during construction. The committee chose Shawmut because it has experience with school building projects at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Harvard University, and Northeastern University as well as projects at Massachusetts General Hospital. Craigie added that Shawmut thinks safety.

 Craigie said that demolition would only occur during vacation times. She said SBC decided to oversee the process continually. She said the committee would do everything to the letter of the law. She added that Shawmut plans to visit the School Committee on March 1 to make a video presentation.

 The board voted, 5-0, to place the middle school debt exclusion question on the April 3 local election ballot.

 Ravine Road to become a one-way street

 Town Administrator Ragucci provided an update regarding Ravine Road to the board. Ragucci contacted Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation Commissioner Edward Lambert regarding signs to be posted soon. The town is near to restricting traffic flow one-way on the street. Ragucci said the plan is to provide a great deal of public notice before the change.

 MBTA bus route update

 Selectman Richard Gregorio reminded the board that there is one MBTA bus route through Stoneham and the town could lose it. He added there is another near the Stoneham/Woburn border and the town could lose that one, too. He expressed that the loss of those bus routes could have a “huge impact” on Stoneham residents. He explained that the MBTA faces a huge deficit, but a service reduction coupled with fee increases would be tough on residents. Board of Selectmen Chairman Paul Rotondi added that State Representative Jason Lewis told him that the town’s fee assessment relates to population, not to service. The town, by state law, must pay thousands each year to support the MBTA.

 Trash fee discussion

 Selectman Bob Sweeney introduced the topic of the town’s trash fee. He said that each household pays $252 annually for trash collection. He said he would like to review the situation to determine if the town still needs the fee. Sweeney added that the board added the fee last year to pay for public services, not public employee pay raises. He said he wants to show taxpayers why the town needs the fee, but he hopes it is not a “forever” fee. Chairman Paul Rotondi added that new developments at the former Boston Regional Medical Center and the former Our Lady of Nazareth Academy, among others, could offset the trash fee revenue in time. He said eliminating the trash fee is the “first thing I’d like to do.” He said he has no intention of supporting the trash fee as a “permanent” fee.

 MWRA rate increase

 Town Administrator David Ragucci said that the Massachusetts Water Resource Authority (MWRA) released its initial assessment for 2012-13, a 5.4 percent rate increase for water and sewer use. Chairman Paul Rotondi said that the increase does not relate directly to homeowners as the town carries a surplus in water and sewer accounts. On another MWRA note, Selectman Richard Gregorio said that the Stoneham Finance & Advisory Board met with State Senator Katherine Clark and State Representative Jason Lewis recently. The board asked why MWRA purchased private land, lowering Stoneham’s tax base, instead of using adjacent public land to house a water tower. Gregorio said there was discussion of an MWRA study to show the cost effective nature of the decision. Gregorio asked to see the study, added that he would pursue the matter further.

 Benefits for elected officials

 Selectmen John DePinto noted that, before he became a member of the board, selectmen could be eligible for health insurance benefits. He asked Town Counsel Bill Solomon if elected officials in other positions are eligible for health insurance or other benefits from the Town of Stoneham. Solomon responded that the Massachusetts General Insurance Commission (GIC) treats elected officials as it treats non-elected officials. Town Administrator David Ragucci said it would cost the town $14,000 if an elected official elected to be a member of the town’s health insurance plan. Selectman Bob Sweeney noted that selectmen are ineligible for pension benefits. DePinto asked Solomon to review the policy.

 Miscellaneous:

 Selectman Bob Sweeney introduced a letter from Summer Street residents concerned about safety on their street. Sweeney said the letter cites poor signage and concerns about sidewalks and driveways. Town Administrator Ragucci said that a study shows there are many cars using the poorly designed street, but speeding is not an issue. Stoneham Police made recommendations that Ragucci plans to forward to the board for review. Ragucci added that there’s a lack of clear sidewalk and many cars park on the street.

Town Administrator David Ragucci said that the process to replace retiring Stoneham Police Chief Richard Bongiorno is underway. Ragucci said there could be a candidate for the board to approve as soon as February 28. Chief Bongiorno plans to retire at the end of May 2012. Selectman John DePinto said that state law requires Bongiorno to retire at age 65.

 Town Administrator Ragucci noted that Town Meeting (in May 2009) voted for proposed bike path abutters to pay rent for upkeep of the proposed bike path property they use privately. The state legislature, however, has not voted on the town’s bylaw so Town Meeting must vote to accept the proposal (and receive state approval) again at the May 2012 Town Meeting.

 Town Administrator David Ragucci said that Selectman Frank Vallarelli and neighbors are close to a consensus about the future of the former North School building (near Collincote Street). Ragucci said the group feels that three house lots and a 50-foot driveway would be appropriate for the smaller portion of the property. The group is still discussing the future of the larger portion of the parcel.

 The board, acting as Liquor License Authority, voted unanimously to approve a request for a one-day license for Rev. William Schmidt of St. Patrick Parish.

 The board voted unanimously to renew Common Victuallers Licenses for Amore Pizza, Johnny’s Famous Roast Beef, and Sal’s Pizza.

 The board voted, 5-0, to appoint Kelly Murphy to the Council on Aging (COA) through April 2013. COA Chairman Gene Ferullo requested that the board send applicants to visit the COA before joining the council. He said the board has become “popular” and it would like the opportunity to interview potential candidates. Selectman Frank Vallarelli asked Board of Selectman Office Manager Muriel Doherty to forward COA applications to the council.

 The board voted, 5-0, to establish Monday, May 28, 2012, as the date for the annual town Memorial Day Parade. The parade begins at St. Patrick Cemetery at 10:00 a.m.