Between tying up his loose ends with the Town of Avon and his first meetings with Rochester department heads, new Town Administrator Michael McCue said his transition so far has gone smoothly. McCue said during his first selectmen’s meeting that he has encountered “insight and support, guidance, and advice” as a result of his initial meetings during his first three full-time days working in Town Hall.
McCue already had some suggestions for the board, including applying for the Wright Express Card, which is used by municipalities like a credit card to purchase fuel. The card, however, does not collect federal and state taxes, making purchasing gas during emergencies easier for the Town.
He also said he would be reaching out to the Southeastern Regional Planning & Economic Development District to “re-forge” some relationships he had with SRPEDD in the past.
McCue joked with the board, saying he wished he had more to report but, this being his first meeting, he said sarcastically, “I don’t want to make things up just to speak.”
“I’m still feeling my way around,” said McCue, “And, again, I feel really comfortable here and I really appreciate it.”
The new town administrator is currently in his office Mondays and Wednesdays until August 1.
Also during the meeting, the board appointed James Buckles as building commissioner. Selectman Naida Parker said the Town has had a contract with Buckles in the past as building commissioner, and Buckles will now officially be sworn in.
The board also appointed Michael Conway to fill the vacant seat on the Conservation Commission. Conway previously served on the ConCom, and Parker stated that since Conway is an attorney specializing in environmental law, “He should be a good asset for the commission.”
The attorney general’s office approved the Town Meeting-approved amendments to the flood plain bylaw and the town’s bylaw pertaining to dogs, specifically failure to license. The Office of the Attorney General suggested in a letter dated July 8 that the Town consult with town counsel to ensure that the Town is charging “valid fees” rather than “impermissible taxes.”
In other business, the board approved a 500-gallon above ground gasoline tank and a 1,000-gallon above ground diesel tank for Edward Ashley.
The board was also pleased to read correspondence from Alewives Anonymous, Inc. regarding the 2014 herring count, which is up 156% from last year.
The board announced that a “time of healing and prayer” for Roy Daniel’s recovery is scheduled for July 27 at 2:00 pm at the Rochester Town Green.
The next scheduled meeting of the Rochester Board of Selectmen is August 11 at 6:30 pm at Town Hall.
By Jean Perry
