The warrant articles for the Rochester Annual Town Meeting got the seal of approval from both the Board of Selectmen and the Finance Committee during the former’s hybrid meeting held on April 20. Town Meeting will be held Monday, May 24, at 7:00 pm at Rochester Memorial School.
After the public hearing was opened to review the draft Annual Town Meeting Warrant with representation from the Finance Committee and Capital Planning Committee, along with the town clerk and Town Meeting moderator, Town Administrator Suzanne Szyndlar noted that the Finance Committee still needs to vote on the Town’s proposed FY22 operating budget of $22,885,039 (a 2.91-percent increase over FY21).
Joint committee review and vote of warrant articles began with Article 6, natural resource expenses to the tune of $300 for planting shellfish in Marion, and from there all but two of the remaining articles were voted by both the selectmen and FinCom for recommendation on Town Meeting floor.
Two related articles were pushed to the Fall Special Town Meeting, both relating to the Old Rochester Regional School District agreement. One was the reinstatement of the agreement itself, the other to establish a stabilization fund to support ORR.
Selectman Brad Morse said the proposed agreement was received just last week and there has not been adequate time to thoroughly examine it.
“The three towns should get together and talk about this important agreement,” said Board of Selectmen Chairman Paul Ciaburri.
FinCom was represented by Peter Armanetti, Jim Austin, Chairman Kris Stoltenberg, and David Arancio, who also serves as chair of the Capital Planning Committee.
Arancio abstained from voting on Article 12, recommendation of Capital Plan funding for $201,190 in total requests. The committee has $203,000 to handle those expenditures that will address a variety of Highway Department needs while also providing irrigation, an alarm system, and building and technical upgrades to Rochester Memorial School. Arancio also abstained in the other Capital Planning-related article, the proposed addition of $200,000 to replenish the committee’s funds.
In addressing Szyndlar, the selectmen, and FinCom, Arancio was effusive in his praise for their support in helping the Capital Planning Committee grow from its start only a few years ago.
Other funding articles approved for Town Meeting recommendation by the selectmen and FinCom addressed: $20,000 into the School Stabilization Fund (at $255,000 it would reach a goal set by the selectmen); $80,000 into a Public Stabilization Fund (would reach $211,000); $300,000 into the General Stabilization Fund (current balance $1,645,000); and $100,000 into the Road Stabilization Fund (current balance $303,000).
Rochester School Committee Chairperson Sharon Hartley nominated Shirley Bourque to continue as the Old Colony School Committee representative from Rochester RMS Vice Chair Anne Fernandes seconded the motion, and they and Selectman Woody Hartley voted unanimously in favor of Bourque, who is the chairperson of the Old Colony School Committee.
“It’s just another one of those gems that Rochester has along with Rochester Memorial School and ORR,” said Bourque of the vocational technical high school on the north end of town. “I appreciate everyone’s support.”
Woody Hartley told the meeting he has spoken with Old Colony Superintendent Aaron Polansky, and Old Colony will soon serve as a home for Rochester Planning Board meetings.
After a 6:10 pm public hearing, the selectmen voted to approve a license for applicants David and Jackie Eckert to store flammable fluid gas in excess of 2,000 gallons at 15 Briarwood Lane. “This is underground storage, so it’s protected” from the threat of traffic, said Rick Charon, noting that the setback is 25 feet from property lines and that corrosion protection will be on the tanks and the ability to monitor voltage.
In a 6:00 pm appointment, the selectmen voted to approve Police Chief Robert Small’s recommendation that James Hightower, 21, be hired as a part-time officer. Hightower is currently a staff sergeant in the National Guard and is based on Cape Cod. His appointment is for a one-year period through April 30, 2022.
Morse’s appointment to represent the selectmen in negotiations with the RMS teachers will begin with a meeting on April 28 at 3:30 pm.
The town is mobilizing search committees to replace outgoing Conservation Agent Laurell Farinon and Town Planner Steve Starrett; Morse will represent the selectmen in the town planner search, and Ciaburri will represent the board in the conservation agent search.
Morse commended the service of Barry Denham who in 20 years on the Tri-Town Veterans Council saw the organization grow from two towns to all three. Christopher Gerrier will replace Denham, who is retiring this year.
With Gordon Hill’s and Jackie Demers’ retirements from the Council on Aging, Andrew Trevell and Mary Besse were appointed.
Szyndlar reported that the Fire Department has been approved for a $12,500 fire safety equipment grant. She also reported that an external audit of the order of financial statements has been completed for FY20. Szyndlar said the process protects public assets and is valuable for credit ratings.
Library Director Gail Roberts sent the selectmen an update. The library opened on April 12 for browsing only. Appointments have been discontinued except for use of a computer. Face masks are still required, and the book drop remains open 24 hours, seven days a week.
Ciaburri told the board he has been invited to attend an Eagle Scout ceremony on Monday, May 10, at 7:00 pm. The selectmen decided to have a certificate of recognition for each scout from Rochester to make the grade.
The selectmen voted to approve Rochester Boy Scout Troop 31’s request to use the Pine Street property to hold a yard sale on June 25-27.
The selectmen voted to sign a proclamation designating April 30 as Arbor Day in the Town of Rochester.
The next meeting of the Rochester Board of Selectmen is scheduled for Monday, May 3, at 6:00 pm.
Rochester Board of Selectmen
By Mick Colageo