December 16 Select Board Milton Meeting: Covid-19, Fire Station building updates, and possible MBTA cuts

The meeting began by remembering Laura Griffin and Janice Conlin who have recently passed.

Covid-19 Update

The Health Dept. Director, Caroline Kinsella, joined the meeting to discuss the dramatic increase in Covid-19 cases since the Thanksgiving holiday. Milton is in a yellow zone, and the town is back to phase 3, step 1. The vaccine has arrived in MA. The vaccine is to be distributed in 3 different phases, phase 1 Dec-Feb, will be meant for clinical and non-clinical health care workers, long term care facilities, medical services, shelters and corrections, and health care workers. Phase 2 Feb-Apr, will be meant for individuals with 2 comorbidities, those that are high risk, k-12 early education, and adults over 65. Phase 3 Apr-June, will be meant for the general public. The state will be increasing webinars for awareness purposes. She urged the public to continue to wear face coverings and mentioned that PSA’s will continue.

Mr. Dennehy, reported on the success of the Covid-19 testing programs, which are held at the Public Works Yard location. The testing is free to the public, you do not need to be showing symptoms, nor do you need to be a Milton resident. Due to the success so far, he is seeking to amend the contract with Fallon Ambulance and Transformative to increase funding for this program. (Town of Milton to offer Free COVID-19 Tests to Residents on Sundays in December | Milton MA) A flyer with more information will be going out in residents tax bills.

The Board next moved into discussion regarding the amendment to the agreement between the town of Milton and Fallon/Transformative to increase funding from $200,000 to $250,000 and with pre-holiday and post-holiday coming up, they anticipate even more of an outpouring. The Board moved in favor of this amendment.

Fire Station Building Committee Update

The committee provided a presentation, which included potential site locations, comparisons and recommendations. They also provided a budget update and discussed CPA funding.

License Renewals FY2021

The Board agreed on 50%/50% alcohol to food for liquor license renewals.

The Board moved to extend the common victualler licenses for temporary outdoor seating under MA Covid-19 guidelines for FY2021.

The Board moved to approve 2021 Sunday opening permits 10am-6pm liquor licenses.

The Board moved to approve 2021 entertainment licenses, though they cannot be used right now, they are approved once restrictions are lifted as according to Governor Baker’s orders.

MBTA Service Cuts

The board discussed the MBTA planned service cuts, which are referred to as Forging Ahead (Forging Ahead | MBTA). The plan is to cut and eliminate bus routes, ferry services, and commuter rail services, which will in turn increase the cost for the ride. The MBTA Advisory Board objected to these cuts, and say there is no budgetary justification for making the cuts. The cuts would increase auto traffic, increase cut through traffic, and impact the most vulnerable. The Board moved to endorse the letter of disapproval to cuts as set forth by the MBTA Advisory Board.

The town’s selection for the Director of Finance/Town Accountant position is discussed. There are 2 interviews set up. The Board motions for appointment of Mr. Wells to be involved in the interview process, Ms. Collins will be back up to this plan.

Additional Items of Discussion

The Board moved to approve the proposed reappointments.

A proposed agreement between Milton and Quincy is discussed regarding purchasing new equipment and finding a new place to install as the new equipment would need to be installed on a tower in Quincy whereas Milton would be able to use the tower to attach and operate radio equipment which will be essential to public safety regionally. The Board moves to hold off on vote a vote at this time due to not having a contract drawn up yet.

Firefighter education credits for FY2021, collective bargaining agreement with 1116: there were 3 new members that increased their credits through Anna Maria. The Board moved to approve the increase in money for the credits.

The Board motions to set the next Special Town Meeting date as Feb 22, 2021.

Approval of meeting minutes.