By Scott MacKeen
Times Staff
9/11/08

(previous)
Shields said the Selectmen should work with the Warrant Committee to determine whether the proposed new teachers would solve the problems.
The Warrant Committee has yet to make its recommendations.
Another article for a new software system for inspectional services was withdrawn from the warrant. Selectmen Chair Kathy Fagan said the Warrant Committee had recommended the article be withdrawn because it feels the money should come from a reserve fund transfer.
The current inspectional service software is outdated and was damaged in a summer storm, said Fagan. New software will cost around $30,000.
Currently, around $450,000 is available in the reserve fund for unforeseen expenditures. The Warrant Committee says the new software falls under that category.
Fagan agreed, saying the inspectional department is currently relying on a paper filing system and that production is suffering.
“This is really an emergency situation we need to act on,” she said.
The Selectmen amended an article previously approved involving a set-aside fund for collective bargaining. The article seeks appropriations for contracts that may be settled before special Town Meeting. Mearn said five contracts are currently being negotiated, involving the police and fire departments, the library and public works. The Selectmen recommended setting aside around $200,000 out of free cash, equal to a one percent pay raise.
Said Shields: “I don’t think we’d be doing our jobs if we didn’t set aside something. We promised Town Meeting and we owe it to our employees.”
Shields added that one percent may not be enough but that only so much free cash is available.
Selectmen Marion McEttrick asked for clarification on another article previously voted on by the board. It involves a petition for a liquor license at 2 Adams St. for a planned restaurant.
A petition was already filed to the legislature but Mearn said there is some uncertainty as to whether it will pass before next year.
The restaurant did not have a building permit when the petition was filed, and Mearn
said the legislature was hesitant to grant
a license without an official address. He
said the article was drafted to assure the
town won’t have to wait until Town Meeting in the spring to reapply for a license if it doesn’t pass.
The remaining articles were approved without additional changes. The articles will be discussed by the Warrant Committee, which will make its recommendations before the warrant goes to press on Sept. 17.