East Brookfield voters unanimously approve warrant

By Ruth M. Lyon

Turley Publications Reporter

EAST BROOKFIELD – Seven articles in seven minutes; it took a minute an article for 24 of the town’s 1,300 voters to work their way through the warrant at Monday’s town meeting. A quorum, according to Town Clerk Virginia Allen, is 21.

In that time: $10,000 was transferred from free cash to a water department wireless standpipe alarm account, this to purchase and install a wireless alarm system for use in protecting the town’s water supply. An old dial-up alarm was obsolete and longer serviceable, finance committee members explained.

Funds in the amount of $370 were transferred within Memorial Square accounts.

The cemetery commissioners were authorized to make/update cemetery regulations and fees as deemed appropriate.

Funds in the amount of $6,009.01 and $16,416.54 for a total of $22,425.55 were transferred to the water department stabilization fund. This action transfers monies received as settlement for the MBTE contamination class action lawsuit to the water department stabilization fund. Selectman Leo Fayard had explained last week that the $10,000 expended for the wireless alarm would actually be paid for by those funds.

Voters approved the transfer from free cash of $20,000 to a highway department equipment purchase account to establish a highway department purchasing account. The finance committee explained that such an account has not previously existed. It will be used to purchase a commercial style lawnmower to replace the current 18-year-old unit; additionally, it will fund the purchase of a trailer and ancillary equipment so the mower can be transported throughout the town.

On the recommendation of the finance committee, the town voted to transfer $175,000 from free cash to replenish the stabilization fund for future use.

The meeting, held at the memorial complex, Connie Mack Drive, was conducted by Town Moderator Harland Smith, who commented that the meeting might hold the record for brevity.

There was no discussion on any article, and all votes were unanimous.