By Pattie Pacella, Neighb News Correspondent
The Acushnet Selectboard had a quick meeting on 6/30, the first after the election. They re-organized the board and welcomed David Wojnar back to the board. He last served as a Selectboard member in 2016, after 18 years on the board.
Board member Kevin Gaspar, began the meeting by introducing and welcoming Mr. Wojnar.
Mr. Wojnar said he was “glad to be back.”
He thanked residents for the vote of confidence to have him back in office and said he was impressed with what the town has in place.
“My pledge to you, gentlemen, is to look at things not as I used to do them, but how I could’ve done better,” said Mr. Wojnar.
Mr. Gaspar asked for a re-organization of the Board. Board member David Desroches nominated Mr. Gaspar for chairperson and he was elected at chair.
In another matter, the board heard from AES regarding a feasibility study for the roof replacement on the elementary school. The recommendation was to remove the top asphalt layer, leaving the insulation in place, another new layer of insulation; replacing flashing and trim as needed. The total estimated cost of construction is approximately $1.9 million with an additional approximately $1 million for soft costs, such as project managers, contingencies, if hazard materials are found.
Mr. Gaspar stated he had some concerns that this was just coming before them for a vote to move forward to present it to the Mass. School Building Association (MSBA) by July 8. He stated that the board needs to digest the information and feels that they are being “pushed into a corner to make a decision.”
He said the date of July 8, was not a good date for him and he would hope for an extension to their next scheduled meeting of 7/14. Mr. Gaspar reminded the Board that the Selectboard would be asking the Town residents through a special ballot to vote on this and a special town meeting would also be needed.
The Selectboard will discuss the matter at tis July 14 meeting to approve and submit to the MSBA, which reimburses a percentage of building projects to school districts.
In other business, the Selectboard promoted Melissa Forge to Town Accountant, she was formerly the Assistant Town Accountant.
The board appointed Nicholas Montacello to be the Assistant Town Accountant. He is the producer of the Selectboard cable meetings.
Mr. Gaspar chuckled and stated that Mr. Montacello was going to continue to produce the cable meetings until they could find someone else.
“But it is nice to appoint an Acushnet resident to this Assistant Town Accountant position,” said Mr. Gaspar.
Mr. Gaspar advised Town Administrator Julie Hebert to have a plan for re-opening Town Hall to the public. Mr. Gaspar stated the staff has returned, but they now need to have a plan to re-open to the public.
Mr. Wojnar stated he will hold a meet and greet with town employees, and he was excited to be back.
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