Marini reappointed to ZBA in close vote

In a 3-2 vote, selectmen voted to reappoint John Marini Sr. to the Zoning Board of Appeals, with two members expressing concern about a possible conflict of interest involving Marini’s development company. Voting to reappoint him were Selectmen Chairman John Connolly and selectmen Avril Elkort and Sal Salvatori. Opposing the reappointment were selectmen Bob Burr and Victor Del Vecchio. Marini has stated several times that his son is running his company, John S. Marini Management Co., and he is in semi-retirement, but both Del Vecchio and Burr said that Marini is still involved in several real estate projects.

Selectmen also made several other town committee appointments prior to town meeting Monday night; however, they stated that unless there is proof that committees are actually meeting and taking action, they will not appoint new members next year.

Historical Way article postponed

The town meeting article calling for acceptance of Historical Way was postponed after Town Counsel Paul DeRensis informed selectmen that all residents of Historical Way must be informed in a legal notice mailed to them at least seven days before town meeting. Selectmen, meeting before town meeting, also found out from residents that necessary engineering documents were sent to the town engineer’s office but not forwarded to the board for review prior to April 30. Selectmen Chairman John Connolly hinted that if a special town meeting is held in the fall, the review of Historical Way as an accepted street could come up again.

Town, unions agree on new health care package

Town Administrator Bill Friel said a new health care agreement between representatives of all the municipal and school unions will save the town $1.3 million over two years. He praised the sprit of cooperation of all the union representatives who sat down with town officials to work out an agreement. Canton is one of the first communities in Massachusetts to reach a new health care agreement under the new state law allowing municipalities to implement changes to employee health care packages.

For Blue Cross Blue Shield coverage, the town and the unions came to an agreement on plan design changes resulting in a 6 percent savings. If no changes were made to the plan, there would have been a 5 percent increase to the premium. Just for this plan, the town saved $600,000 while the employees saved $200,000 in premiums. Rates remained stable for Delta Dental and for a life insurance policy offered by the town.

Correction: In last week’s report about the new water and sewer rates, it was published that the cost of a gallon of water is $1.09 and $1.15 for a gallon of sewerage. It should have read 1.09 cents for a gallon of water and 1.15 cents for a gallon of sewerage.

Short URL: https://www.thecantoncitizen.com/?p=13445

Posted by Mike Berger on May 3 2012. Filed under News, Town Government. Both comments and pings are currently closed.