Town of Easton Town Administrator’s Report 1 st Quarter Fiscal Year 2013 September 30, 2012 This is my twenty fourth quarterly report issued as Town Administrator of Easton. These quarterly reports will be mostly a summary of individual quarterly reports submitted by department heads. This report covers the period from July 1, 2012 through September 30, 2012. This quarter saw new retirees and new hires, an off duty fire fighter responding to a blaze in a neighboring community, and one of the busiest EEE seasons in recent history. I encourage everyone to read the full report and note the volume of important services being performed, but a few highlights worth special mention are: • The Easton Fire Department bids farewell to Lee Anderson who retired September 23, 2012. Fire Fighter Anderson has served the EFD for 34 years; the Town thanks him for his commitment and service. • The Fire Department also welcomes Kyle Riendeau and Kyle Lovell, who have completed their recruit training program and graduated from the Brockton Fire Academy. • The Board of Health and the Police Department worked together to obtain a drug disposal kiosk for the safe disposal of unwanted medications at the Police Station. • The Town Clerk achieved the Professional designation of Master Municipal Clerk (MMC) as designated by the International Institute of Municipal Clerks. • The Board of Health responded to the highest volume of EEE positive mosquitos in years and held numerous public hearings dedicated to distributing information to residents to prevent contraction of the illness. • The Ames Free Library saw an 80% increase in e-book circulation over last quarter. • The Council on Aging provided over 2,000 rides to elderly and disabled residents for medical appointments, grocery shopping, and more.
Transcript
Town of Easton Town Administrator’s Report 1st Quarter Fiscal Year 2013
September 30, 2012 This is my twenty fourth quarterly report issued as Town Administrator of Easton. These quarterly reports will be mostly a summary of individual quarterly reports submitted by department heads. This report covers the period from July 1, 2012 through September 30, 2012. This quarter saw new retirees and new hires, an off duty fire fighter responding to a blaze in a neighboring community, and one of the busiest EEE seasons in recent history. I encourage everyone to read the full report and note the volume of important services being performed, but a few highlights worth special mention are:
• The Easton Fire Department bids farewell to Lee Anderson who retired September 23, 2012. Fire Fighter Anderson has served the EFD for 34 years; the Town thanks him for his commitment and service.
• The Fire Department also welcomes Kyle Riendeau and Kyle Lovell, who have completed their recruit training program and graduated from the Brockton Fire Academy.
• The Board of Health and the Police Department worked together to obtain a drug disposal kiosk for the safe disposal of unwanted medications at the Police Station.
• The Town Clerk achieved the Professional designation of Master Municipal Clerk (MMC) as designated by the International Institute of Municipal Clerks.
• The Board of Health responded to the highest volume of EEE positive mosquitos in years and held numerous public hearings dedicated to distributing information to residents to prevent contraction of the illness.
• The Ames Free Library saw an 80% increase in e-book circulation over last quarter.
• The Council on Aging provided over 2,000 rides to elderly and disabled residents for medical appointments, grocery shopping, and more.
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I. Public Safety Fire Department Kevin Partridge, Fire Chief
The services the department provided during the first quarter of FY 13 are:
Calls for Service The Easton Fire Department responded to 790 calls for service during the months of July, August, and September, 2012. There were 326 medical calls, and 272 patients transported to area hospitals during this time period. There were 464 fire related calls. The monthly break-down is as follows; Fire Calls for Service Medical Calls / Patients transported July 135 81/ 72 August 160 125/100 September 169 120/100 Of particular note, The EFD responded to 73 motor vehicle accidents in town. Mutual Aid was provided to neighboring communities 6 times with fire apparatus, and 4 times with an ambulance. Mutual Aid was received by neighboring community with an ambulance. Fire Prevention / Inspections Smoke Detector plan reviews- 13 Smoke Detector & Carbon Monoxide Detector Inspection- 74 Installation or Alteration of Fuel Burning Equipment- 12 Tank removals- 15 Vehicle transfer tank inspections- 25 Propane Installation inspections- 17 Sprinkler System Installation/Alteration/Repair- 7 Agricultural Burning Permit – 1 Cutting & Welding – 5 Blasting- 1 Fire Alarm Install - 6 Fireworks – 1 Underground Storage - 4 On-going plan reviews and construction meetings were attended along with periodic inspections on the following major projects
- Southeastern Regional School - addition/renovation
Captain Jeff Webster the Fire Prevention Officer attended the monthly meetings of the Fire Prevention Association of Mass. He also attended the regular monthly meetings of the South Shore Fire Prevention Association. Captain Webster is also completing the Fire Prevention Credentialing Program being offered through the Department of Fire Services. Revenue The department received the following revenue from ambulance billing:
The department received the following revenue from fire permits and inspections:
• Plan reviews- $ 1,050 • Sprinkler plan/inspection- $ 300 • Smoke Detector/CO inspections- $ 3,400 • Fire Reports- $ 60 • Fire Alarm Installation/Insp. $ 450 • Oil Burner permit/inspection- $ 600 • Propane permit/inspection- $ 850 • Tank removal/Install $ 750 • Cutting & Welding $ 150 • Tank Truck Insp. $ 1,150 • Gas Station Registrations $ 150 • Blasting Permits $ 100
Training Monthly Drill Topic July- Review and use of new Boscum Turner multi-gas meter. M & M rounds with Advanced Life Support EMT’s August- New K-12 roof saw review, starting procedures, when to use, and proper cutting technique.
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M & M rounds with Advanced Life Support EMT’s September - Walk thru at Columbia Gas storage facility on Eastman Street, demonstration of facility safety equipment, detection equipment and foam system. Review of Tractor Trailer off-loading procedures, and Regional foam trailer. Massachusetts Fire Academy- Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) training class held at the the Fire Academy in Stow, MA. 15 Members of the department completed the training. Massachusetts Fire Academy- Hazardous Materials Operational Level Responder Refresher training class. M & M rounds with Advanced Life Support EMT’s Various “10 minute training” included:
1. Review of Burn injuries and treatments 2. Station air compressor use and filling air cylinders 3. Review of EMS updates 4. Building collapse signs review 5. IV Catheter and C-Pap mask review 6. Review of elevator operations 7. Hydrant assist valve review 8. Positive pressure ventilation (PPV) review 9. Thermal Imaging Camera Review 10. Cardiac Monitoring 11. Hurst air Bags (lift) review, cribbing and stabilization 12. EMS policy on transport of patients 13. In service walk-thru at 35 Eastman Street , Sunco 14. Splint Training
Department Injuries - 8 hours loss work time Four (4) members of the department were exposed to TB and required immediate follow up and testing for TB at our affiliate Medical Center. 1 FF suffered back pain while carrying a PT but had no loss work time. Personnel Update
- The Department extends Congratulations to FF Lee Anderson who retired September 23, 2012. FF Anderson has served the EFD for 34 years; the department congratulates him on reaching this milestone, and wishes him and his family the very best in retirement. Thank you for your service.
- New recruit FF Kyle Riendeau and Kyle Lovell completed their recruit training
program and graduated from the Brockton Fire Academy on October 19, 2012.
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Stations Station 3- received a landscape makeover. Eagle Scouts Kevin Grant and Joseph Abate are doing a landscape upgrade to the front of the stonewall at St 3 and in front of the building. Joe Abate completed re-painting the flagpole and resetting it in the ground, he completed a nice FF Maltese and engraved brick area around the flagpole and placed numerous plants around and completed it with mulch. Joe will complete the project with the mounting of an antique bells on a pedestal near the flag pole. Kevin Grant removed the knot weed, an evasive plant that had been growing in front of the stonewall and did a complete replanting of grass and plants, and will finish the project the mounting of an antique FD deck gun in front of the wall. Station 2- FF Glen Corbett removed and completely refinished the Station 2 sign that hangs above the overhead doors in front of the station. FF Corbett completed the work on his own time and did an outstanding job
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Police Department Allen Krajcik, Chief of Police Total Incidents – 3428 Arrests 46 B/E Businesses or buildings 4 B/E Homes 24 B/E Motor Vehicles 16 Robbery 2 Rape 0 Citations 215 Motor Vehicles Crashes 75 Crime During this Period Housebreaks were up significantly this quarter. Our detectives have made several arrests and we believe these groups of individuals were responsible for the majority of the breaks. There were two robberies reported. One involved Easton teenagers stealing from another Easton youth, all were allegedly involved in drug dealing. The suspects were armed with handguns. This type of crime is very unusual for Easton but is increasing significantly across the state. Drug Kiosk Thanks to a grant that the Easton Board of Health received, the Easton Police Department has a drug kiosk in the lobby. This kiosk is a receptacle for unwanted medications. This is free to the public and we have collected eight large boxes of medications since July. These medications will be properly disposed of instead of them being brought to a landfill or flushed down toilets or sinks and polluting groundwater. Personnel Our staffing level is significantly low due to several officers being out of work on long term medical leave. One officer was injured in a cruiser accident last December and is still out on leave. Two other officers are also out due to injuries or medical conditions not related to work. We also had the unexpected retirement of a senior supervisor. This has caused a significant rise in overtime costs that will have to be addressed at the Special Town Meeting. Traffic Enforcement Concerns from citizens regarding excessive speed of vehicles on various streets in town continue to be a frequent complaint. Police are assigned to various locations in town in response to these complaints. Allen Krajcik Chief of Police
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II. Public Works Department of Public Works David J. Field, P.E., Director of Public Works I am pleased to submit this 1st quarter report for FY2013. During this quarter I attended the following meetings: (2) Board of Selectmen Meetings (2) DPW Managers Meetings (2) Municipal Building Committee Meetings (1) Executive Loss Committee Meeting (2) OCPC Joint Transportation Committee Meetings (1) DRT Meeting (1) LED Streetlight Workshop (1) NE Public Works Expo We continue to work on the development of the Pavement Management System. The installation of the final software and data package took place in August. The system is now operational and being edited in anticipation of generating the FY2013 roadwork list in time for the spring construction season. We hosted a pre-bid conference on July 18th and opened bids for the Town Hall Generator on July 25th. The project was awarded to American Electrical Construction. A pre-construction conference was held on September 20th. The generator is on order and it is anticipated that the project will be completed by the end of November. I attended one (1) meeting on the Landfill Solar project and have been reviewing permit applications as part of the proposed project. The DPW completed the paving of Holmes Street, Linden Street, Pleasant Street, and King Avenue in July as part of the completion of the water main project in that area. The DPW is coordinating the paving of Union Street following water and utility work on a portion of that road. We have coordinated with the Easton Police, Brockton Police, Brockton DPW, School Department (busses), and residents to set up a detour route through Easton and Brockton to accommodate the paving and closure of Union Street which will impact approximately 7,000 vehicles per day. Paving is scheduled to begin the first week of October and be completed by mid-October. We have continued to work with MassDOT on the Five Corners project to help coordinate the completion of that project. I attended a field meeting on the proposed paving schedule on July 12th. Paving and final line striping were completed in July.
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I attended four (4) meetings on the North Easton Revitalization Project, including two (2) stakeholders meetings. The project is currently being brought from conceptual design to 25% design status based on the comments received at the stakeholders meetings. I attended five (5) meetings on the North Easton Infrastructure project and Shovel Shops WWTP. Bids for the project were opened on September 19th. I coordinated two (2) meetings with representatives National Grid to discuss a possible streetlight purchase and LED upgrade project and to obtain an updated purchase price for the existing streetlight system. As a member of the Traffic Safety Committee, I attended a BOS Meeting to give a report on two matters that were brought before the Committee. We have received one new request and will be conducting an investigation and providing a report on our findings. As part of the Middle School roof replacement project through MSBA, I attended five (5) meetings with the designer, project manager, and Municipal Building Committee. I attended three (3) site meetings on the Safe Routes to School project and reviewed two sets of submittals for the project. Some of the other projects that the DPW has been involved with this quarter include:
• Comprehensive Wastewater Management Plan • Town Office Boiler Replacement • Town Office Painting • Road and Chapter 90 Planning • Chestnut Street Field inspections • Lincoln Street sidewalk design • Fire Station Roof – Final Inspection • DPW Buildings and Grounds Restructuring • DPW Vehicle Inventory • Queset Commons Review
Operations Managers Maurice Goulet and Jack Marsh will provide detailed reports of their respective Divisions.
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Department of Public Works Operations Division Moe Goulet, Operations Manager
Water Division John J. Marsh, Operations Manager Read meters, process data 21,595 Process Calculate & export data to vendor for water bills 7,317 Miscellaneous service bills 87 Prepared bills for property transfers 70 Gallons of Water Pumped and Treated 227,327,000 Replaced meters 156 New service applications 12 Installed new services 14 Water Conservation Letters Processed & Mailed 170 Meter Replacement Letters Mailed (#1) 213 Meter Replacement Letters Mailed (#2) 44 Meter Replacement Letters Mailed (#3) 19 Meter Replacement Letters Mailed (#4) 14 Total Letters Mailed 290 Meter Replacement (Door Hangers) 0 Answered Service and Maintenance requests 634 Renewed Services 2 Service Leaks Repaired 0 Hours of Leak Detection Performed 206 Dug up & repaired main leaks 0 2” Water Main(s) 0 4” Water Main(s) 0 6” Water Main(s) 0 8” Water Main(s) 0 10” Water Main(s) 0 12” Water Main(s) 0 16” Water Main(s) 0 Repaired hydrants 3 Dug up & replaced hydrants 0 Routine hydrant maintenance 269 Frozen Services 0 Reviewed plans for backflow devices 4 Surveyed buildings for cross connections 88 Tested backflow prevention devices 103 Took delivery of bags of hydrated lime 1,400 Took delivery of barrels of chlorine 49 Photovoltaic Energy Production (Solar Power) in kWh 19,573 Collected bacteriological samples & delivered to laboratory 137
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III. Public Services Town Clerk’s Office Jeremy Gillis, Town Clerk News The Town Clerk achieved the Professional designation of Master Municipal Clerk (MMC) as designated by the International Institute of Municipal Clerks. This designation is held by fewer than 25 Clerks in Massachusetts and fewer than 1200 Nationwide. The Town Clerk is the first Easton Town Clerk to earn this designation. The Office continues to upgrade and update its equipment and office procedures, and this quarter completed several large filing projects. The Office’s scanning project on Vital records continues, with nearly all birth records from 200-2009 scanned to both PDF and Microfilm. Death records will commence at the turn of the year. Training Consistent with the Office’s mission statement, a continuing education is a necessity in an ever-changing landscape of laws and regulations. This quarter the Town Clerk attended the annual Fall conference of the Massachusetts Town Clerks’ Association, which consisted of 3 days of intensive classes relating to ever-changing rules and regulations in the Clerk’s world. Online training was also received in Grant writing and ethics. The Town Clerk has remained active in his capacity as Secretary for the Massachusetts Town Clerks’ Association and as an Executive Board member of New England Association of City and Town Clerks, continually conferring with State and Federal Officials on matters pertaining to voting and vital records. Elections Voting This quarter, 640 new Voter Registrations were processed, an increase of 498 over the same time period last year. The State Primary was held on September 6. While this Election is generally fairly slow turn-out wise, and due to several scheduling problems needed to happen on a Thursday, a spirited Democrat Primary for the Retiring Geraldine Creedon’s 11th Plymouth Representative Seat made this the busiest State Primary in recent memory. Results are as follows:
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STATE PRIMARY 09/06/2012 EASTON, MASSACHUSETTS
DEMOCRAT REPUBLICAN GREEN RAINBOW
SENATOR IN CONGRESS PRECINCT 1 PRECINT 2 PRECINCT 3 PRECINCT 4 PRECINCT 5 PRECINCT 6 TOTAL SENATOR IN CONGRESS PRECINCT 1 PRECINT 2 PRECINCT 3 PRECINCT 4 PRECINCT 5 PRECINCT 6 TOTAL SENATOR IN CONGRESS PRECINCT 1 PRECINT 2 PRECINCT 3 PRECINCT 4 PRECINCT 5 PRECINCT 6 TOTALELIZABETH WARREN 120 327 167 262 229 107 1212 SCOTT P. BROWN 85 173 103 180 124 112 777 WRITE-IN/ALL OTHERSWRITE-IN/ALL OTHERS 8 12 2 3 11 3 39 WRITE-IN/ALL OTHERS 0 1 0 1 1 0 3 BLANKSBLANKS 63 106 61 93 61 14 398 BLANKS 2 1 1 4 2 1 11 TOTALTOTAL 191 445 230 358 301 1525 TOTAL 87 175 104 185 127 113 791
REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS PRECINCT 1 PRECINT 2 PRECINCT 3 PRECINCT 4 PRECINCT 5 PRECINCT 6 TOTALREPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS PRECINCT 1 PRECINT 2 PRECINCT 3 PRECINCT 4 PRECINCT 5 PRECINCT 6 TOTAL REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS PRECINCT 1 PRECINT 2 PRECINCT 3 PRECINCT 4 PRECINCT 5 PRECINCT 6 TOTAL WRITE-IN/ALL OTHERSRACHEL E BROWN 25 61 27 50 44 18 225 SEAN BIELAT 65 127 64 131 103 77 567 BLANKSJOSEPH P. KENNEDY III 120 332 172 253 212 101 1190 ELIZABETH CHILDS 5 14 17 20 9 17 82 TOTALHERB ROBINSON 6 8 3 15 20 2 54 DAVID L. STEINHOF 9 23 14 12 8 15 81WRITE-IN/ALL OTHERS 0 2 1 0 5 0 8 WRITE-IN/ALL OTHERS 2 0 1 1 0 0 4 COUNCILLOR, 4TH DISTRICT PRECINCT 1 PRECINT 2 PRECINCT 3 PRECINCT 4 PRECINCT 5 PRECINCT 6 TOTALBLANKS 40 42 27 40 20 3 172 BLANKS 6 11 8 21 7 4 57 WRITE-IN/ALL OTHERSTOTAL 191 445 230 358 301 1525 TOTAL 87 175 104 185 127 113 BLANKS
COUNTY TREASURER PRECINCT 1 PRECINT 2 PRECINCT 3 precinct 4 PRECINCT 5 PRECINCT 6 TOTAL PRECINCT POLITICAL MAKEUP AS OF 08/17/2012 DEMOCRAT REPUBLICAN GREEN RAINBOW UNENROLLED OTHER A TRUE COPY ATTEST
Inspectional Services Mark Trivett, Inspector of Buildings July 1, 2012 – September 30, 2012 Permit Activity Building Permits 146 – 10 of which were single –family
dwellings; 2 for multiple family dwellings Foundation Permits 8 Certificates of Inspection 10 Demolition Permits 9 Electrical Permits 195 Plumbing Permits 139 Gas Permits 99 Mechanical Permits 11 Trench Permits 19 Miscellaneous 133 Total Receipts $153,767.00 Inspections Building Inspectors 482 Inspector of Wires 215 Plumbing & Gas Inspector 184 Total Calls for Inspections 881
Other Activities Meetings with Town Administrator 2 Meetings with Town Counsel 3 Meetings with Development Review 2 Fire Department Meetings 13 Emergency Calls 4 Meetings with Design Professionals, Developers, Attorneys 15 Department Head Staff Meetings 0 Building Officials Seminars for Continuing Education 5
Board of Health Mark Taylor, Health Agent Staff The main working force that reported to the Board of Health office is composed of one full-time health agent, as well as one part-time health agent and one part-time health inspector and an administrative assistant that is shared with the Inspectional services department. Senior citizen volunteers are used to add in the back up of day-to-day filing and cover phones. The Board of Health staff team included other professionals with disciplines that helped in providing public health services. These individuals did not report to the office daily nor occupy the office. They were the public health nurse, animal inspectors and the Board of Health. Training and Seminars During this quarter the following Trainings and Seminars were attended. This to insure the Town of Easton, through the Board of Health, stays up to date on emergency preparedness and to maintain current licenses. They are as follows:
• Medical billing training • 3 Coalition meetings • 3 Medical Reserve Corps Meetings
Field Work Over the quarter we provided inspectional services to the community. Below is a summary of our field work activity: Complaint investigations (including follow ups) – est. 12 with 10 revisits Camp inspections and Permits- 3 Food inspections– est.-32 Food re-inspections of the - est. -13 Food complaints inspections – est. 4 Retail food permits-2 Food service permits-1 Farmers market permits -1 and 7 inspections Pre-opening food inspections- 1 Bed and breakfast.-0 Temporary food permits-9 Reportable disease notifications -28 Public and Semipublic swimming pool inspections-1 and 10 re-inspections Pool Complaints -6 Beach-1 Tanning Parlor Inspections-7
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Dumpster site complaint visits-4 Dog Bit investageition-1
Title V Disposal Work Permits Issued -39 Certificates of Compliance-14 Variances-21 properties most with more than one variance High Ground Water Determinations-0 Soil evaluations –21 Soil classification sites (per hole) – est 44 Percolation witness tests – est 34 Sieve sample collection – est 8 Septic installation inspections:-, Final inspection – 29 Semi-public Swimming Pool permits – est- 3 Construction sites visited – 2 Transport offal truck inspections – 3 Housing Inspections – 4 EEE and West Nile During this quarter we have seen an unprecedented amount of Mosquito borne illness. There have been reports of 71 positive test pools for EEE and 8 positive test pools for West Nile in the Town of Easton. No human cases confirmed from the town of Easton Board of Health Public Hearings The Board of Health meets in a public forum. Within this quarter the Board of Health met 7 times. The Board has had one hearing this quarter to propagate a regulation to ban out door actives. The regulation passed although a ban was not put in place.
Projects Septic Betterment Program The office of the Board of Health is continuing the task of maintaining the septic betterment program through the office of the Department of Environmental Protection. At Town Meeting Approval was given to borrow One million dollars from the state to continue the program on a large scale level. 500 thousand dollars was released to the town in September and 10 systems were approved. The program will allow the lending of money to home owners to repair failed septic systems or to tie in to a sewer system and pay back the town at a low interest rate of 2% over 10 or 20 years. A warrant article was presented at town meeting to allow the additional funds of 1 million dollars from the state to be use at a 0 % cost loan to the town of Easton. The Article passed with a 2/3rds vote. Work has been continued with Ms. Amy Palmer, MPH an emergency planner from the Bristol County Emergency Preparedness Coalition, a call down drill has been performed as well as an updating of our plans as needed to fulfill our towns Tar requirements for the state.
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Jenni Manni regional organizer of the Greater Taunton Medical Reserve is in charge of holding several trainings this quarter. These consisted of a CPR training as well as 2 meet and greats containing and 3 MRC 101. Due to Miss Manni’s limited hours and the amount of training we were still able to meet 3 times. This is a continued effort to get volunteers credentialed for Emergency Dispensing Sites for the town. Energy Conservation Continuing to conserve energy this quarter, efforts were made by turning off all electrical devices when not in use or when the office was closed. We recycled all paper and cardboard waste generated in the office. Our daily inspections were scheduled to be within the same vicinity in town to prevent excess gasoline use. Clinics The VNA provided several valuable services over the last quarter. The public health nurse was available every third Monday at town hall for the public. This service allows residents to come in and talk to a licensed nurse about health care. The second Thursday of each month the nurse is available at Frothingham hall from 10:00 to 11:00 am. The nurse was available the first Tuesday every month 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM at Parker Terrace Community Room, and the third Tuesday of every month 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM at the Elise Circle Community Room for blood pressure and Blood Sugar Screening. Reportable Disease 57 Blood Pressure 10 Blood Sugar Testing 0 Body Mass index calculations 5 Cholesterol screenings: 5 Lyme line lists: 26 new cases 0 Hepatitis C 2 Hepatitis B 0 Varicella 0 Dengue Fever 0 Salmonella Tuberculosis new cases -2 and - 4- follow up. 2 new cases of Campylobacter: , 0 cases of suspected Mumps 2 Positive cases Shinga Toxin Positive E.Coli 1 Enterovirus 0 Pediatric and 22 Adult Flu Vaccines administered. 0 Mantoux Testing Requested. 28 Communicable Disease Investigations, 2-follow ups Meetings There were 14 meetings attended during this quarter. These meetings involved topics such as department head staff, Board of Health Public Hearings, and Board of Health
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staff inspectors’ meetings, Emergency Dispensing Site/Medical Reserve Corps meetings, Department head meeting as well as core group meetings. Medical Reserve Corps (MRC), and Emergency preparedness
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Ames Free Library Uma Hiremath, Executive Director “We had a wonderful visit to the Library. The place seemed effervescent - used and enjoyed by happy readers and kept in wonderful shape.” Professor Joseph Connors, Department of History of Art and Architecture, Harvard University, visiting library with students on October 6, 2012. Below are statistics corroborating the library’s ‘effervescence’:
FY2013 – Library Productivity Statistics July– September 2012
1st Quarter % Change from 1st Quarter FY2012 Circulation 51,260 0% Overdrive (electronic) 932 79.5% Number of Programs 119 4.4% Program Attendees 2,251 -1.7% Volunteer hours 426 48.8% (new stat -since last quarter) Computer Usage 2,190 13% Library Visitors total 27,388 7.4%
Circulation In this quarter, we continued to enjoy the sixth highest circulation in the 75- library SAILS consortium. 11,620 items were loaned and borrowed from SAILS, testifying to the vitality and relevance of the consortium. Electronic circulation remained high leaving no doubt that Overdrive is becoming a significant player in library materials. There are 6 eReaders currently being circulated with pre-loaded books and are proving to be very popular as well.
Programs Summer Reading programs for children, teens and adults were very successful this quarter, with all readers getting special prizes. In the summer, weekly children’s programs were hosted in charming Queset Garden and attracted over 100 kids every Monday. While children’s reading programs have always been the mainstay of programming at the library, the library now has a dozen monthly series for adults.
Two book discussion groups (facilitated by staff member rotation) An outreach book discussion at the Council for Aging (facilitated by Ian Dunbar) Book readings for monthly SE Rehabilitation Center visitors ( by Nancy Carter, library volunteer) Movie Group (organized by Whitney Brown) Documentary screening (with Easton resident Gino del Guercio) Two knitting groups (managed by Kathy Korona)
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Beading group (managed by Debbie Adduci) Author Meet & Greet (Staff facilitated) Foodie Group (with Easton residents Bobbie Anderson and Carolyn Cole) Tech Talks (primarily with residents Kevin Kidd; Brian O’Neill and others)
In addition to these series, topical programs were organized, most of which were volunteered by community experts. This quarter we hosted:
Walking tours with historian and naturalist, Ed Hands Personal financial workshops with Joshua Slovin
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Easton Council on Aging Del Kent, Director During the first quarter of FY2013, the Council on Aging was a resource for elders, their families and the community-at-large by providing services and programs to enhance quality of life and enable our older residents to live with dignity while maintaining health and independence. We provided more than 9,448 units of service for 1,193 individuals, a substantial increase over the previous quarter. The Council on Aging members met with the director three times for a total of 6 hours to discuss program initiatives and set policy for COA activities and services. Transportation One hundred twenty-six (126) elderly or disabled residents received 2,131 rides to/from medical appointments, the hot lunch program, shopping, social and recreational activities, hairdressers and work during the quarter. Nutrition Programs Participation in the Old Colony Elderly Services increased during the quarter. 2,816 meals were served at the Parker Terrace meal site or delivered to the homebound with 126 elderly residents participating in the meals program during the quarter. 15 Council on Aging volunteers contributed approximately 168 hours of service while delivering the meals on wheels. One of our COA volunteers also delivered Food Pantry groceries to elderly and disabled residents in need. Financial Programs Our SHINE (Serving Health Information Needs of Elders) volunteers spent 89 hours helping 26 individuals with health insurance information or assistance in completing health insurance forms. Our Outreach Coordinator, Beverly Beavers, assisted residents with Fuel Assistance and food stamp (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) applications and distributed Farmers Market Coupons. Outreach Programs Ms. Beavers made 22 home visits and scheduled 2 community education programs during the quarter. These included programs on Keeping Healthy and Safe as We Age presented by Michelle Foley from Brockton VNA and a program on organizing one’s home presented by Claire LaSage from Witzz End. She led the weekly Weight Loss Support program and mailed program/services information to residents turning age 65. Ms Beavers delivered meals on wheels when volunteers were unavailable and picked-up prescriptions for homebound individuals. She provided transportation for seniors on 12 occasions when the shuttle vans had been fully booked and we did not have drivers available. She also supervised two social work college interns who assisted us during the quarter. Health Promotion Our Exercise, Tai Chi, Zumba, and Yoga classes (supported with State funds from the Executive Office of Elder Affairs) continued during the quarter. Blood Pressure clinics,
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sponsored by the Board of Health, were held at Frothingham Hall. The foot care clinics, as well as the Reiki sessions, continued in the Keefe Community Center at Parker Terrace. Community Education Fifty-one (51) seniors took part in our community and health education programs during the quarter, including those programs presented at the TRIAD meetings. TRIAD is a partnership of the Bristol County Sheriff’s Department, the Easton Police Department and Easton seniors to develop and implement programs to enhance the safety and wellbeing of our older residents. Recreation/Socialization COA recreation and socialization activities held during the quarter included the bi-monthly birthday lunch and a weekly quilting group in the Keefe Community Center at Parker Terrace; as well as Swedish Weaving classes, Games Group, Recreational Bingo, Bridge, Cribbage, Mah Jongg, and Recreational Poker groups at the Frothingham Hall Community Center. The Council on Aging will continue to develop new opportunities for seniors to come together for socialization and recreation. Program ideas or requests for further information may be directed to Dolores ‘Del’ Kent, Director, Easton Council on Aging, 15 Barrows Street, North Easton, MA. Telephone: 508-238-3160. E-mail: [email protected]
Recreation Department Anne Daley, Program Director July begins a very busy season for the department. The Town Pool had 220 members and 556 day passes were sold. The swim team had 22 members. The team hosted meets at the Town Pool and attended meets in Taunton and Stoughton.
This year 174 spots were filled in the Full Day Summer Program. This is a 7 week program held at the Easton Middle School. They went on a field trip and to the town pool once a week. The field trips included, cosmic bowling, roller skating, mini golf, Brockton Rox Baseball, Movies and Funway.
Frothingham Park was very busy this summer. Thursday nights the Children’s races filled the park with an average of 150 runners per week ages 2-12. For all their hard work every child received a ribbon and a freeze pop, 2,076 ribbons were handed out. The Archery program was also held at the park. With instruction from Ace Archers girls and boys ages 8 and up enjoyed this popular program. August 1st the Infractions entertained all ages with popular tunes, old and new. And at the end of August we were entertained by the Toe Jam Puppet Band. It was nice to see the concerts back at Frothingham Park.
Hip Hop, Ultimate Frisbee League and golf at the Easton Country Club had another successful summer.
Kayakers ages 12-17 enjoyed the Teen adventure week. This program is held at the Norton Reservoir where Norton Kayak Co. taught safety skills, and paddling. In addition they photographed wildlife, learned about the environment and angling skills, while fishing.
The playground at the Edwin A. Keach field was completed. Thanks to the volunteers and the DPW for spreading 150 yards of mulch, great job. The fields are coming along great with an anticipated opening date of early spring 2013.
We are now accepting registrations for our upcoming fall programs, including Golf at the Easton Country Club, “Lemonade Mouth Theatre”, Hip Hop, Running Club, Kayaking, Chess, Art, Homework Club and Tennis.
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IV. General Government Assessor’s Office Robert Alford, Chief Assessor
• The Board and Chief Assessors negotiated and resolved several Appellate Tax
Board Appeals
• Continued building permit and 2011 sale review. Prepared for the interim adjustment.
• Sent out Sales Questionnaires for 2012 sales and scheduled appointments as taxpayers called.
• Reviewed the personal property file submitted by JW & Associates. This involves checking the tax status of all business properties in Town and taxing those businesses that are not exempt because they pay state corporate taxes in lieu of local taxes.
• Helped taxpayers fill out the CPA form and reviewed all returned applications for compliance in order to receive the exemption.
• Helped taxpayers fill out the veterans, blind and elderly exemption form. Reviewed returned applications for compliance in order to receive the exemption.
• Processed hundreds of abatement requests on motor vehicle excise taxes primarily due to residents changing cars during the year and transferring plates to another car.
• Completed review of all inspections and data entry.
• Inquiries by telephone and at the counter constitute about half of the staff time in this office.
• The Office Assistant and Chief Assessor were very busy with property inspections this quarter.
• Certified many abutters’ lists.
• Helped taxpayers fill out the Chapter land return.
• Filed CP1 with state regarding CPA amounts assessed and abated.
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Motor Vehicle Commitments
Bill Year Commitments
Number of Bills
Amount Billed
Date Issued Date Due
2012
4 (INC. DEALER'S PLATES) 928
152,031.86 8/13/2012 9/12/2012
5 688
85,209.45 9/18/2012 10/18/2012
Abatements for Motor Vehicle
2012 2011 2010 TOTALS
July 5454.87 717.39 75.00 6247.26
August 7017.32 199.38
7216.70
September 8005.65 43.75
8049.40
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Treasurer/Collector Office Teresa DeSilva, Treasurer/Collector The first month of the first quarter of fiscal 2013, we spend our time finishing the reconciliation process and filing all the reports of this reconciliation with the DOR. Real Estate 1st and 2nd quarter bills which were mailed had the first quarter due August 1st. Also, during the month of August, water bills were sent. At the end of August and into September we also mailed letters to homeowners making them aware that we were starting the tax title process for FY 2012 delinquent taxes and advertising those delinquencies at the end of September. This quarter we were able to collect $ 203,711.38 from our tax title payment plan program. We continue to work out improvements to the online bill pay / e-billing system. It continues to be a very exciting new process and we encourage everyone to take advantage of this system. Payroll warrants for July Town 852,406.35 School 265,172.26 Vendor warrants for July Town 5,180,546.46 School 284,163.27 Collections: Real Estate 7,188,541.51 Personal Property 205,745.19 Motor Vehicle 53,061.61 Water/Sewer 249,542.11 Trash 168,841.17 Payroll warrants for August Town 1,188,546.46 School 432,394.33 Vendor warrant for August Town 7,811,940.06 School 747,696.44 Collections: Real Estate 3,874,541.88 Personal Property 48,291.23 Motor Vehicle 148,805.53 Water/Sewer 421,721.34 Trash 26,394.69 Payroll warrants for September Town 885,292.76 School 2,324,586.20 Vendor warrants for September Town 3,408,913.93 School 602,280.14 Collections: Real Estate 362,688.25 Personal Property 5,894.21 Motor Vehicle 121,313.19 Water/Sewer 50,610.97 Trash 17,793.97
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Town Accountant Wendy Nightingale, Town Accountant Status of Fiscal Year 2013 Operating Revenues & Expenditures
Annual Actual Thru
% Collected/
General Fund Budget 9/30/2012 Variance Expended Revenues:
Tax Levy 5,124,411 11,335,496 (33,788,915) 25.12%
Local Aid 12,543,504 3,782,892 (8,760,612) 30.16%
Local Receipts 5,569,984 1,374,582 (4,195,402) 24.68%
Use of Reserves/One-Time Revenues 1,515,673 1,515,673 - 100.00%
Other 547,753 136,938 (410,815) 25.00%
Total Revenues 65,301,325 18,145,581 (47,155,744) 27.79%
Expenditures:
General Government 2,053,275 389,051 1,664,224 18.95%
Public Safety 7,683,113 1,927,188 5,755,925 25.08%
Net Solid Waste/Recycling Enterprise Fund: - 77,844 77,844
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Data Processing Mike Deltano, Information Systems Manager
• Worked with Sonicwall to resolve the issue with the VPN tunnel between the Town Offices and Fire Station #2. This had been going on since early June and not resolved until mid-August. The actual cause for the malfunction was never determined. Originally the tunnel would go down randomly for a few minutes and then go back up. Then we managed to keep it up as long as no Internet traffic was passed to the main firewall but this was undesirable behavior as well. Finally we found a combination of parameters that allowed all traffic to pass without affecting the tunnel. Very strange since it worked for 8 months perfectly and then just stopped. It is working now and possibly both units need firmware upgrades which I performed as instructed.
• The Sophos antivirus stopped pushing policies out to client computers. This caused some legitimate applications to become flagged and quarantined as viruses. Finally we determined that the C Drive on the server was getting too filled up with old data in the Sophos database. The database was cleaned out and the client computers started downloading their policies normal.
• Developed a plan of attack to migrate the Virtual Iron to a Citrix platform. I will first have to upgrade our two HP DL160’s to DL360’s, which can handle the 64 bit operating systems. Once that is done I can start doing virtual to virtual conversions. Integrated IT, in Waltham, will train me on the new Citrix software.
• Determined which computers need to be upgraded this fiscal year and ordered the hardware and software. I ordered 25 Dell 390’s and will attempt to make 15 of these virtual desktops off of a few standardized images. If this works out well, I will continue this approach for the next few years until we have 70-80% of our desktops using the virtual desktop model. This should simplify setup of future desktop clients.
• The Comcast PRI started dropping calls. It would seem that the failing air conditioning unit in the server room is causing the Comcast Adtran unit to overheat and drop the calls. A window unit was put in the room to assist the failing unit. I also moved the Adtran out of the closet and across from the A/C unit. That has helped a lot but still some calls are bring dropped. Comcast upgraded the firmware on the Adtran and now I am not getting any complaints of any more dropped calls.
• Worked with Bit9 to figure out why some police and fire computers have a red health status. The IMC software is the common denominator. Bit9 is still looking into it.
• On September 19 Sophos sent out an anti-virus update which caused it to see itself as well as many other legitimate programs as a virus. This ‘false-positive’
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caused many things on almost all of our computers to get quarantined and therefore unusable. This was true for every one of their customers across the world. I was able to get it under control in a few hours so that operations could continue. After a few days all loose ends were tied up and everything back to normal. This little mistake by Sophos was almost as bad as a real virus infecting the entire network!
• Deployed 3 of the new Dell 390 Computers and have 2 more set up in a custom configuration to upgrade the Fire and Police IMC mobile computers.
Data Processing Productivity Ratios/Quantitative Measures
Hours Days in Available
Staff per Week Qtr Hours Vacation Sick Personal Holiday Other Subtotal Net %
Planning &Community Development Stephanie Danielson, Acting Director The department continued to support the Conservation Commission and Planning & Zoning Board in their responsibilities as permitting agencies, and to provide technical and administrative support to the Affordable Housing Trust, the Community Preservation Committee, the Historical Commission and the Agricultural Commission. The Department also supported the Board of Selectmen as requested.
Infrastructure Improvement Projects • Continued to work with the DPW and the Town’s consultant on the next phase of
the Comprehensive Wastewater Management Plan. • North Easton Village Sewer project
o Attended monthly update meetings o Provided quarterly project updates to MassWorks
• Main Street beautification o Coordinated presentation and input sessions with stakeholders o Met with key property owner onsite to discuss opportunities and
challenges related to the project • Continued to work with the Town’s consultant on the next phase of the
Comprehensive Wastewater Management Plan • Finalized the bike/pedestrian study conducted in conjunction with the OCPC.
This project was funded through the SouthCoast Rail Corridor technical assistance grant program. The study assessed impediments to bicycle and pedestrian mobility, opportunities for improving bike & ped connectivity and recommendations for future infrastructure improvements. The study incorporated public comment obtained through one-on-one conversations, a public input session and an online survey to which more than 100 responses were received.
• Worked with Borrego Solar to move forward on the solar field project at the landfill:
o Assisted with CDM contract to review design and submittal to DEP for landfill post-closure use permit
o Kick-off meeting with key municipal department heads o Assisted with NOI filing and preparation for hearing with Conservation
Commission
Land Protection/Recreation • Reviewed and coordinated preparation of Conservation Restriction on the
Governor Ames Estate which the Town is purchasing from the Trustees of Reservations.
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• Reviewed and coordinated obtaining Town support and approval of the Historic Preservation Restriction at the Gate Lodge to be held by Historic New England and the Conservation Restriction at Langwater to be held by the Trustees of Reservations.
• Trail work - Clifford Grant Management Area o Received notification of Recreational Trail Grant Award o Trail extension construction started
General Planning Activities
• Reviewed and provided comment on the final draft report on proposed zoning changes for the Route 138 Priority Development Area (Queset Commercial District).
• Reviewed and provided comment on the Town Buildout Analysis being prepared by OCPC.
• Provided assistance to residents and developers preparing applications for submittal or review with the Conservation Commission and Planning & Zoning Board.
• Coordinated and directed technical review for projects being heard by the Conservation Commission
• Began process for developing Town’s new Master Plan o Posted RFP o Coordinated proposal review & interview process o Assisted with developing Master Plan Steering Committee
Development Projects
• Participated in a series of meetings with King Builders as they prepare to begin activities at Queset Commons
o Assisted with preparation of MassWorks grant for intersection improvement at Roosevelt Circle and route 138
o Status of developer agreement obligations o Compliance with conditions associated with wetlands permit required prior
to commencement of activities o Assisted with approval of state MOA for archaeological site on the
premises • Preparation for Phase I review with Planning Board • Continued construction monitoring at the Winterberry Hills residential subdivision
project to ensure compliance with Order of Conditions. Continued to assist with marketing and outreach for affordable units.
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Board Support • Assisted the Planning & Zoning Board in reviewing commercial and residential
developments.
Historic Preservation • Oversaw close-out of the round of the historic property survey project covering
North Easton and Furnace Village. Executed procurement process and coordinated with Mass Historical Commission for the consultant handling the next round of surveys.
• Continued review activities under the demolition review and local historic district bylaws
• Continued monitoring and enforcement of existing preservation restrictions. • Drafted preservation restrictions for properties receiving FY13 CPA funds for
historic restorations.
Agriculture Assisted the Commission: • Successful move of the Farmers Market from Sheep Pasture to Depot Street
Turnout • Final approval from Conservation Commission to establish community gardens at
Wheaton Farm • Ongoing discussions with schools and restaurants to buy local produce
Affordable Housing • Coordinated efforts behind LIP approval of 244 Washington • Oversaw successfully closing on the first home purchased through the
Homebuyer Assistance Program. Continued outreach efforts. Reviewed new program applications, with one additional applicant approved to proceed and two more pending.
• Coordination of the approval of a refinancing of an affordable unit in Easton Country Estates.
• Responded to resident inquiries regarding affordable housing assistance. • Continued to lobby the legislature for passage of the mobile park bylaw enabling
bill. • Completed an overhaul of the housing resources information page on Town
website. • Conducted research and prepared draft policies for Home Repair program.
Improved Customer Service to Businesses and Residents • Installed PermitEyes wetlands permitting software upgrade
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• Began testing online payment for wetlands permitting Staff Development
Town Counsel Attorney Jason R. Talerman, Blatman, Bobrowski & Mead, LLC The following represents our quarterly report relative to the various and diverse legal matters that we have handled and are handling on behalf of the Town of Easton for the 1st quarter of 2013. I. Litigation Matters Gennis v. Planning & Zoning Board and The Gard Trust This is an appeal of the endorsement of an ANR plan by the Planning & Zoning Board. The Planning & Zoning Board is a nominal party and we continue to monitor the litigation, but are not actively participating in the litigation. V.G.R. Northeast v. Planning & Zoning Board and Aaron Wluka This is an appeal of the P&ZB's decision granting a Residential Compound special permit to Aaron Wluka for property off of Guinevere Road. The plaintiff claims to be the owner of a small piece of land at the end of Guinevere Road which provides frontage and access to a portion of the property. As the town is not a stakeholder in this matter, we are monitoring and not actively participating in the litigation. Looney, et al. v. Easton Conservation Commission and DEP This is a recent appeal to the Superior Court. The appeal is by abutters to a proposed c. 40B project and seeks review of a DEP order upholding the Conservation Commission’s underlying wetland delineation. The Town is taking a nominal role. The parties have filed motions for judgment and the Judge has taken the matter under advisement. Village Pond Condo v. Kennedy and Town of Easton The Town is a third party defendant to this action, which seeks foreclosure on a condo unit for non-payment of fees. The Town is named because it has a tax lien on the condo. We will protect the town’s lien but, otherwise, have a minimal role in the litigation. Daisher v. Conservation Commission This is an appeal of the denial of a Notice of Intent. We are actively defending the Conservation Commission and have filed an opposition to the Plaintiff’s Motion for Judgment MHC v. Conservation Commission This is an appeal of an enforcement order issued by the Conservation Commission with respect to wetlands violations at a mobile home park. We are actively defending the Conservation Commission. II. Other Legal Matters Beacon Communities Development - Ames Shovel Works We continue to provide advice on a variety of matters pertaining to Beacon Communities' ongoing redevelopment of the Ames Shovel Works.
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Liquor Licensing We have assisted the Town in the administrative prosecution of numerous liquor license violations. Each such prosecution resulted in an agreed disposition for temporary suspension. Alternative Energy We have provided substantial assistance in the drafting of bylaws and other necessary elements for the Town’s participation and promotion of the development of alternative energy. Williams Street 40B We are actively assisting the ZBA in their hearing on this c. 40B application. Quisset 40R We are assisting the Town on a variety of issues regarding this matter. Miscellaneous We have been working on a variety of other matters including, but not limited to: adoption of new zoning bylaws, offering of zoning opinions, review of potential municipal purchases of land, review of new development proposals, assistance to the Conservation Commission on a variety of matters, preparation for Town Meeting and the review and revision of a variety of municipal contracts. I also provide twice-monthly office hours at which I discuss, with various municipal officials, a variety of legal issues.
