by Frank Schroth

The selectmen had a lengthy session last week in which the discussed a variety of issues. In addition to a discussion of an appeal of the FAA decision and renewal of Ulin rink management contract (see post here), they had an extensive discussion of DPW issues, heard a traffic commission recommendation to address safety concerns at the library, and reviewed the harbormaster / police department relationship.

Joe Lynch, Director of the DPW, sat at the table a long time. Here is a short summary of issues:

• Mr. Lynch discussed MWRA rates for 2014. They will increase a total of 1.5%. There was a substantial increase in water but the impact is mitigated by a low increase in sewer which is the more expensive. Hurley highlighted the catch-22 of water rates, which is that conserving doesn’t necessarily mean saving money. It was a long and at times confusing discussion. But key points were Lynch voicing confidence that the metering of water and sewer is accurate to within 15%. The DPW is purchasing leak detection equipment to help detect this. There may be a need to look at revamping the tiered rate structure and also looking at the master meter for locations like 88 Wharf. There is a sngle meter for the 73 units which is billed at a tier 4 (the most expensive rate). They are paying a disproportionately high amount. The only other building in town would be the condos at 36 Central. Boston and most communities use a master meter for condominiums. It was not discussed if this also includes apartments (e.g. Milton Hill, possibly Hendries 40B).
• Member Hurley discussed the possibility of bonding $8 million to repair the roads in town many of which are in “deplorable” condition. The concept is to bond the amount all at one time and use the Chap 90 funds and accrued interest to pay off the bond. Lynch welcomed the idea but there is a question of whether that type of use would be an eligible expenditure (ie debt service). The board agreed to pursue the idea and also take up with the Capital Committee.
• The DPW is engaged in a 10 year water planning initiative that looks at a variety of issues including opeational efficiency. In his quarterly updated Lynch also referenced street sweeps, catch basin cleaning, and a concern he has with vehicle maintenance. The DPW has responsibility for many town vehicles. As those vehicle fleets increase in size there is no corresponding increase in his budget for the work required to maintain them. The DPW is also integrating permit systems with the Building Commissioner and will commence water main construction on Central Avenue.

Chief Wells, also chair of the traffic commission, Joe Lynch, member, and Will Adamczyk, Director the the Milton Public Library, appeared to put forward a recommendation from the commission to address safety at the library entrance. There are frequent accidents at the entrance that occur primarily in the afternoons around the time school lets out. Drivers entering the lot are hit by cars in the right lane heading east bound. The recommendation is to reverse the entrance and exit to the library, moving the entrance further up the hill on Canton Avenue, and add parking on Canton Avenue from the entrance back up the hill toward town hall. Member Hurley requested that parking be restricted from 7:00 – 9:00am. The board unanimously approved the recommendation. Adamczyck said the Library Board of Trustees also unanimously supported the change. Concern was voiced about the health of the beech tree. Lynch said is was severely stressed. If removed, it may allow for a circular drive to be put in. A timeline for implementation was not discussed. (Note: I am a member of the Library Board of Trustees).

The board also discussed the status of the harbormaster and the boat acquired by the Police Chief through a law enforcement grant.The chief is recommending that the harbormaster report in through the police department and the selectmen seem inclined to have the reporting structure stay as it is – namely, reporting to the town administrator. The two concerns of the chief are 1) access to the boat in an emergency and 2) proper oversight of a $30 – $40K resource. The chief believes that there is no precedent for putting an expensive asset under the control of a volunteer. He would like maintenance and control of the boat under police  supervision and adhere to an SOP he had drafted. Members Conlon and Hurley were not convinced of the need and member Hurley said he did not want to see the harbormaster’s responsibilities and duties increased as he is only a volunteer. The chief offered to redraft the SOP. The board asked to resume the discussion with the harbormaster present.