Minutes Of Selectmen’s meeting
Date: July 9. 2009
Time: 7:00 PM
Place: Town Hall Meeting Room
Present: Bill Cavanaugh, George Fuller, Tony Blair, Mercedes Gallagher
The Meeting was called to order at 7:01 PM.
At the time there was no public present, so there were no public comments.
The following transfers between department accounts were moved by George Fuller, seconded by Bill Cavanaugh and unanimously approved.
From Health Insurance to Board of Health $168.00
From Health Insurance to Dog Officer Expense $161.00
From Health Insurance to Police Expense $301.00
From Health Insurance to Building Utilities $1,235.00
From Unemployment to Highway Equipment $2,500.00
Tony Blair reviewed the memo he had provided the Selectmen on the proposed CDBG grant. The Board proposed to hold the initial two meetings as follows: On Saturday, July 25, 2009 at 1:00 PM at Town Hall downstairs meeting room, and on Saturday, August 1, 2009 at 1:00 PM at the Becket Washington School in North Becket, pending approval from the School District. (Tony Blair to follow up and seek approval from CBRSD).
The Selectmen discussed ways to advertise these meetings, as a good turnout would be very beneficial. Ads in the Country Journal, the Eagle, and on the web site, as well as meeting with local groups such as the Council on Aging prior to the proposed dates were all discussed. Tony Blair will send an email around to Town employees and Board members letting them know about these dates.
George Fuller made the motion to proceed with the Grant application process. Seconded by Bill Cavanaugh, all in favor.
Tony Blair updated the Board on the Wade Inn Road truck issue. He had a long conversation with Peter Niles at Mass Highway and with Smitty Pignatelli, and wrote a letter to Niles requesting that they keep the trucks on Route 20, and off our back roads. There are some sections of state law that may allow the Town to post weight limits on those roads, he will follow up with Town Counsel on our rights in that regard. We may need some one to assess the weight bearing capacity of the various culverts along the road to justify posting a limit.
Tony Blair updated the Board on the actions he had taken with regard to the risk of zebra mussels, which included having signs made and posted at Center Pond and (at the request of people associated with them) at Yokum Pond and Buckley Dunton. In addition the highway department has placed partially filled jersey barriers at the boat ramps to discourage boaters from putting in. Mr. Blair had contacted the Department of Conservation and Recreation, seeking permission to take these steps, but did not hear back. He took these steps even though he recognized that he did not have authority to enforce the request. The Board approved of his steps.
The Board was given the letter of appreciation to various Board members who had participated in various trainings at Berkshire Regional Planning in the last year. George Fuller made a motion to sign them, Bill Cavanaugh seconded, all in favor.
The Selectmen asked for an update on the availability of grants to assist low and moderate income residents with insulation and other repairs to their dwellings, as had previously been available through Berkshire Housing. M. Gallagher mentioned that she had had an energy audit done on her home and that WMECO had paid 75% of the cost of upgrades including a new furnace, and that the balance was being paid with a 0% loan. Energy audits are usually arranged through CET in Pittsfield.
George Fuller asked that there be garbage cans put out at the pavilion and at the Center Pond beach area. There was some discussion about the downside of having a can – perhaps some people end up dumping all of their trash there. The Town Administrator will call Parks and Recreation and let them know that the Selectboard would like to see cans tried.
Mercedes Gallagher asked what the status of the harbor master is. Current HM is on active duty and is not in the area. Because he has not resigned it makes appointing a replacement difficult. It was agreed that the Town Administrator will contact him and see if he would volunteer to resign so that we can have someone on board during the summer.
Md. Gallagher also asked if there could be a kiosk placed at Center Pond where postings of information of importance could be placed.
8:45 PM, George Fuller made a motion to adjourn. Seconded by Bill Cavanaugh, all in favor.
Next regular meeting of the Selectboard on Wednesday, July 15, 2009 at 7:00 PM at Town Hall.
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