Mtg notes: Selectmen 07.11.12 – Healthy Community Report; Ulin Rink Concession, October Town Meeting?

by Frank Schroth

The days are long but last night’s meeting of the Board of Selectmen was short. Among the issues discussed was whether or not there is a need for an October Town Meeting. At last spring’s annual town meeting an article passed that put a fall town meeting on the calendar for October. However, there are not currently any issues to be taken up.

Town Administrator Mearn said that the Planning Board may have an article regarding a property near the town dump and there may be a historic overlay article but neither has yet been submitted. Mr. Mearn was aware of a couple of other possible issues but did not elaborate. One issue Chairman Hurley mentioned was a good problem to have. Namely, the cherry sheet estimate for Milton is ~$200,000 higher than the town projected. The town will need to either allocate the money or put it into “free cash.”  The closing date for articles in August 9th.

Vicky McCarthy, Youth Counselor Emeritus, Marion McEtttrick, former Selectman, and Caroline Kinsella, Public Health Nurse, presented the final report of the Healthy Communities Initiative. This initiative had commenced and was completed some time ago but do to unforseen circumstances closure on the final report has been delayed. The group was requesting approval by Selectmen to file the report with The Medical Foundation who provided funding the initiative. The group displayed a banner they had been given that promotes the town’s efforts in preventing drug abuse. Ms. McEttrick said progress had been made toward objectives and issues identified in the report such as community communications. The selectmen voted unanimously to approve the final report.

The selectmen also had an initial discussion of a draft RFP for a concession stand at the Ulin rink. Mearn stated that Curry was interested in obtaining the permit in hopes of recuperating some revenue to cove costs of operating the rink. Curry currently holds the permit to manage the rink on the town’s behalf. They have been losing money and have invested significantly in the structure to improve energy efficiency and overall operations. A major sticking point has been lack to a long-term permit from the DCR to the town. The legislation is in place but the paperwork has not been resolved. Without a long-term permit there is not guarantee to an operator that they can recoup the investment made. member Keohane asked a couple of times what the benefit to the town was in having Curry operate the rink. The benefit to the town is “social” – the organizations (Learn to Skate, MHS hockey etc) that had been using the rink have been able to continue using the rink at a favorable cost structure. The RFP would have the party awarded the bid share their revenue with the town.

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